Arts and Sciences | Business and Industry | Health Education and Human Sciences | NewsAugust 20, 2024

12 New Faculty Members Join UAFS this Fall

Written By: Rachel Putman

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is starting the fall semester with the addition of 12 new faculty members, expanding its roster of nearly 200 full-time faculty. These new educators bring diverse experiences and expertise to the university's three colleges, enhancing the educational offerings for students.

"Welcoming new faculty to campus is always an exciting moment for a provost," said Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The breadth of expertise and experience they bring to our campus enriches our academic programs as well as our community. I look forward to seeing how our new faculty support our students in their educational journey and how they will make us better as a university.”

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College of Arts and Sciences

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Dr. Marian Azab, Assistant Professor, joins the History, Social Sciences, and Philosophy (HSSP) department, bringing her experience as an immigrant from Egypt to the U.S. in the early 2000s. Azab, who enjoys drawing and has a passion for art, will teach sociology courses this fall.

Dr. Azab holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of New Mexico and an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University. She began her career as a community organizer in her home country of Egypt. Dr. Azab joins UAFS from her previous position as Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bradley University.

Christopher Barenz, Visiting Instructor and a Rogers native, will teach Mathematics. With a global teaching background that includes universities in Asia and the Middle East, Barenz aims to bring his international perspective to UAFS students. His teaching is inspired by his high school math teacher, who played a significant role in his decision to pursue a career in education.

Barenz obtained his Master of Arts in Economics, Master of Science in Mathematics, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Western Illinois University.

Dr. Brant Blackard, Visiting Assistant Professor and an Arkansas native who most recently taught at Jacksonville State University in Atlanta, will join the UAFS Music and Theatre department, leading the university’s percussionists. With an extensive musical background from classical to heavy metal, Blackard brings a unique perspective to the university's musical repertoire.

Dr. Blackard earned his DMA and Master of Music in Percussion Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Susie Boles is a visiting biology instructor. Dr. Boles earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences from Henderson State University. Before joining UAFS, she taught as an adjunct professor at Henderson State University.

Dr. Raymond “Eddie” Glenn, Assistant Professor, will join the English, Rhetoric, and Writing, & Media Communication department, focusing on public speaking. Glenn began his career in journalism as a photographer before transitioning to writing and reporting. He holds a Ph.D. in rhetoric and is connected to the nearby Carl Albert State College, having known former Speaker of the House Carl Albert personally. He is a musician, and his wife, Jennifer, works in the UAFS Admissions office.

Dr. Glenn holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas. Dr. Glenn comes to UAFS with over a decade of award-winning journalism experience and an extensive college teaching background.

Dr. Rachel Lehman, Visiting Assistant Professor and a River Valley native with a background in electrical engineering and K-12 teaching, will also teach Mathematics. Lehman, who is married to a local band director, has a background in high school teaching and a passion for outdoor activities like camping and backpacking. She was a first-generation college student and a product of the Upward Bound program.

Dr. Lehman earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a specialization in topology from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville.

Dr. Zackary Medlin, Assistant Professor, who has taught from South Carolina to Fairbanks, Alaska, will teach Creative Writing in the English, Rhetoric and Writing, & Media Communication departments. Medlin, a published author and poet who toured in punk rock bands, brings a distinctive creative edge to his writing classes.

Dr. Medlin earned his Ph.D. in English Literature and Creative Writing (poetry) from the University of Utah and his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Dr. Emily Thames, Assistant Professor, will teach Art History. Thames has strong ties to Arkansas, having lived in Bentonville and interned at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She is the mother of two young boys named after famous literary figures.

Dr. Thames obtained her Ph.D. in the History of Art, focusing on the Visual Cultures of the Americas, from Florida State University and her MA in the History of Art from the University of North Texas.

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College of Business and Industry

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Dr. Jeremy Meyer, Assistant Professor, will teach Engineering. An Arkansas native from Jacksonville, Meyer has a background in mechanical engineering and practical experience in pipefitting and welding. An alumnus of the UAFS and UA Fayetteville Mechanical Engineering program, he will soon defend his dissertation in the same field at UAF. Meyer has also been a foster parent and is passionate about education and mentorship.

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College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences

 

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Dr. Leigh Anne Carter, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Teacher Licensure, has 31 years of experience in public education and joins the UAFS School of Education. This marks her first year as a faculty member, and she brings extensive experience as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. Carter, who has two daughters and loves to travel, aims to support aspiring teachers at UAFS.

Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Education from Saint Louis University. She comes to UAFS from her position as Director of Academic Support and ESL for the Siloam Springs School District.

Jerry Mayer, Visiting Instructor, and experienced paramedic will teach Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) and Allied Health programs at the Peak Innovation Center. With tremendous experience in emergency services, Mayer will share his real-world insights with high school students.
He holds a technical certificate from ATU–Ozark in Emergency Medical Technology/ Technician and has served as an adjunct faculty member of the UAFS EMT program.

Stephanie Ramming will teach Dental Hygiene. Originally from Arkansas, Ramming began her career in a dental office at age 16, initially pursuing English literature before finding her passion in dental hygiene. With 25 years of clinical experience, Ramming now dedicates her time to academia and enjoys knitting in her spare time.
Ramming holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

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• College of Business and Industry
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• College of Health Education and Human Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences