UofM Honors 2023 Faculty Award Recipients

May 2, 2023 — The University of Memphis recognized its 2023 Faculty Award recipients in the Maxine A. Smith University Center with Dr. Duane McKenna receiving the Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award, the highest distinction given to a faculty member by the UofM.

McKenna, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, also was presented with the Distinguished Research in Science, Engineering & Mathematics award.

“Congratulations to each of our award recipients,” said Dr. Abby Parrill, interim provost. “We had a lot of very worthy nominations, and that speaks volumes to the work our faculty is doing at the University of Memphis.”

The UofM Alumni Association recognizes outstanding faculty by sponsoring awards in teaching, research and creative excellence annually.

UofM Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to:

Amaia Iratzoqui, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, College of Arts & Sciences
Gladius Lewis, PhD, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Herff College of Engineering
Rita Pasqui, Assistant Professor, Department of World Languages and Literatures, College of Arts & Sciences

UofM Alumni Association Distinguished Research, Creative Achievement & Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Awards were presented to:

Distinguished Research in the Humanities

Cristina Maria Cervone, PhD, Associate Professor, Director of English Honors Program, Department of English, College of Arts & Sciences

Distinguished Research in the Social Sciences, Business & Law

Wesley James, PhD, Professor, Department of Sociology, College of Arts & Sciences

Distinguished Research in Science, Engineering & Mathematics

Duane McKenna, PhD, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences

Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award

Robin Lennon-Dearing, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, College of Arts & Sciences