Teaching Awards

The Teaching Faculty and Support Center celebrates excellence in teaching across the University of Arkansas through a variety of awards and commendations that recognize faculty commitment, innovation, and professional growth. Faculty receive these awards at the annual Faculty Teaching Awards Reception, which is co-sponsored by the TFSC and the U of A Teaching Academy, during the fall semester.

Faculty Commendations

Faculty can receive commendations for partcipating in TFSC-sponsored events. Each event or activity is assigned a point value, and faculty who earn a total of 12 or more points and complete a one-page reflection about at least one event they attended will receive the commendation. Faculty who receive a commendation will be recognized at the annual Faculty Awards Reception in the fall. Events and point values differ for faculty who have been with the university for less than two years and more than two years.

Events and Points for New Faculty

4 points: attend Teaching Camp
2 points: attend New Faculty Orientation
2 points: attend Baum Teaching Workshop
3 points: attend Winter Teaching Symposium
1 point each: attend a TFSC New Faculty Luncheon
1 point each: attend a TFSC Cordes Chair Event
1 point each: attend a TIPS Luncheon
1 point each: attend a TFSC Non-Tenure Track Faculty Luncheon
2 points: be observed in the fall or spring semester by a TFSC Certified Peer Observer

Events and Points for "Not So New" Faculty

4 points: attend Teaching Camp
2 points: attend the Baum Teaching Workshop
3 points: attend the Winter Teaching Symposium
1 point each: attend a TFSC Not-So-New Faculty Luncheon
1 point each: attend a TFSC Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Luncheon
1 point each: attend a TFSC Cordes Chair Event
1 point each: attend a TIPS Luncheon
1 point: apply for a TFSC grant
2 points: be observed in the fall or spring semester by a TFSC Certified Peer Observer
4 points: complete the TFSC Certified Peer Observer training in the fall or spring

Wally Cordes Chair

The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center (TFSC) established the "Wally Cordes Chair" to honor its co-founder and first co-director and to celebrate his inspiring career. Wally Cordes was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for more than 30 years and regarded by many as one of the best teachers on campus. He taught large-enrollment chemistry courses, but despite the large number of students he taught each semester, he invited every student to his office each semester to spend five minutes in his rocking chair to meet their professor. The TFSC continues the tradition of informal conversations by honoring a different teaching faculty member on campus each month as the Wally Cordes Chair. The Wally Cordes Chairperson possesses the Wally Cordes rocking chair and hosts an informal conversation about teaching and learning. Wally Cordes Chair events are held monthly.

View a list of past Wally Cordes Chairs

Ro Di Brezzo Service to Teaching Award

This award recognizes a faculty member who provided substantial service to teaching. Dr. Ro Di Brezzo is a co-founder of the Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center and served as a co-director from 1992 to 1997.

View a List of Past Ro Di Brezzo Award Recipients

The Paul Cronan Technology Teaching Excellence Award

This award honors faculty members who have excelled in using technology to enhance their teaching. Dr. Paul Cronan is a co-founder of the Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center and served as co-director in 1992-1994 and 2011-2014. Nominations for this award are accepted throughout the year. An announcement will be shared on Arkansas News when faculty can submit nominations.

View a List of Past Paul Cronan Award Recipients

Additional Faculty Recognition

In addition to the teaching awards given by the Teaching and Faculty Support Center, faculty recieve awards for research, teaching and service from other academic units as well as recognition from other institutions.