University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Sciences

U of A faculty member Rupesh Kariyat has been named winner of the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from the Entomological Society of America. Kariyat is associate professor of insect-plant interactions and chemical ecology in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. He is a faculty member in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and a researcher and scientist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture. He teaches insect pest management, chemical ecology and insect behavior, insect morphology and graduate seminar classes. Kariyat works with undergraduates, graduate students and honors students, and he's also part of U of A's cell and molecular biology and the environmental dynamics graduate programs. The award is presented annually to the member regarded as ESA's most outstanding teacher of the year. "I want to express sincere gratitude to all the students who have taken my classes over the years and my advisers who gave me opportunities to teach during graduate and post-graduate studies, and to my mother — who was a school teacher for more than 30 years," Kariyat said. "She has always been my role model in teaching." Kariyat has graduated 14 M.S. students and currently advises four Ph.D., three M.S. and one honors student in entomology. "I can't think of a more deserving educator for this award," said Ken Korth, head of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. "Dr. Kariyat is simply fantastic at sharing his excitement for learning and entomology. He excels in all areas of teaching, whether in the classroom, the field or in the laboratory. He is an outstanding mentor of young scientists, and the high-level performance of his graduate students is a powerful testimony of his success." Kariyat has published more than 75 peer-reviewed manuscripts and brought in more than $3.2 million in grant funding as a principal investigator/co-principal investigator. "I believe this to be the most significant of all ESA's awards," said Daniel Potter, entomology professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky and a previous winner of the award. "I am happy that you have received this well-deserved recognition. Well done!" The Kariyat Lab at U of A and Division of Agriculture is focused on understanding how plants defend against insect herbivores and the mechanisms underlying multitrophic interactions. He has previously received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from both the Southeastern and Southwestern branches of ESA. https://t.ly/_K7v7 #entomology #bugs #insects #arthropods #AgFoodLife Entomological Society of America Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station University of Arkansas

Fiona Goggin, professor of entomology and plant pathology, and Becca Muenich, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering, were recently named the U of A Provost's Fellows for the 2024-25 academic year. Goggin will serve as the Provost's Fellow for Mentoring. During her fellowship, Goggin will focus on assisting the Provost's Office in supporting the university's reputation as an employer of choice and by leveraging the current infrastructure of the Bridge Mentoring Program and the UA ENGAGE Leadership Exploration Program to expand and deepen faculty connections to faculty life on campus and with each other around research, teaching and leadership development. Muenich will serve as the Provost's Fellow for Honorary Awards. Goggin joined the U of A in 2001 as an assistant professor. She was promoted to full professor in 2011. In addition to her role as professor, she is the director of the Arkansas Bioimaging Facility for Agricultural Research and a past chair of the Bumpers College Faculty Council. Her research focuses on plant defenses against herbivory with an emphasis on mechanisms of resistance against vascular feeders such as aphids and root-knot nematodes. She has published 53 peer-reviewed articles and has helped secure more than $10 million in competitive grant funding. In addition, she has been invited to speak at more than 100 research presentations. Goggin has received several awards for her research and mentorship. She received the U of A's Golden Tusk Award in 2020 for graduate advising; the Southeastern Branch Entomological Society of America Recognition Award in Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology in 2014; the Outstanding Mentor Award from the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2017 for undergraduate research advising; and the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award from the Office of the Provost in 2024. She was also instrumental in her department receiving the Provost's Award for Departmental Excellence in Mentoring in April 2024. During the 2023-24 academic year, she served as a UA ENGAGE co-director, and she is a recent alumna of iLEAD, the U of A Division of Agriculture's leadership development program. Goggin holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California, Davis and a bachelor's degree in plant science from Cornell University. https://t.ly/lnHWN #AgFoodLife Entomological Society of America Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

Jeff Edwards, dean of U of A's Bumpers College, has been named a Fellow by the Crop Science Society of America, which is presented based on outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research. Edwards became dean of Bumpers College in January, but before that, was head of the college's Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences from 2022-24. Prior to that, he was head of the Plant and Soil Sciences Department at Oklahoma State University from 2015-22. Edwards initiated his faculty career at Oklahoma State University in 2004 as an assistant professor and small grains extension specialist where he focused on increasing the productivity and profitability of wheat production in the southern Great Plains. Much of his effort was devoted to interdisciplinary research and extension projects focused on dual-purpose wheat production and use of technology to improve stakeholder engagement. Edwards achieved promotions to associate professor in 2009 and full professor in 2012. In 2011, he was honored as the holder of the Warth Distinguished Endowed Professorship. His scholarly contributions include 92 refereed journal articles, one book chapter, 102 peer-reviewed extension fact sheets and co-invention of twelve wheat varieties. A first-generation college student, Edwards earned his B.S. in agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1995. In 1999, he became a Razorback and earned places on Senior Walk for an M.S. degree in crop science in 2001 and Ph.D. in crop science in 2004. Edwards furthered his leadership education by graduating from LEAD 21, the Oklahoma State University Academic Leadership Academy and the Food Systems Leadership Institute. Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the CSSA. Members of the society nominate worthy colleagues based on professional achievements and meritorious service. Up to 0.3 percent of the society's active and emeritus members may be elected Fellow. CSSA is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the vision to improve the world through crop science. https://t.ly/WXzh6 #AgFoodLife Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Crop, Soil, & Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Arkansas ASA, CSSA, SSSA Bayer | Crop Science

The U of A Office of the Provost and the Office for Faculty Affairs recognized faculty for providing outstanding mentorship to their colleagues and for completing professional development programs at the Provost's Faculty Recognition Reception held in April during Faculty Appreciation Week. "Seeking and providing quality mentorship has a profound impact on both the mentee and the mentor," said Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Anna Zajicek. "In working with others across campus, I continually hear amazing stories of how our faculty have supported each other as well as how mentorship positively affects our students." Mentorship awards and professional development recognitions that were given to faculty include the Provost Award for Departmental Excellence in Faculty Mentoring, Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards, Bridge Program Completion Badges, Beginning Investigator Research Development Support (BIRDS) Completion Badges and Mentoring Graduate Students and Post-Docs Professional Development Workshop completion certificates. "I was honored to recognize our faculty for participating in mentorship and professional development programs," Zajicek said. "These programs assist our faculty in commencing a successful career at the U of A and providing outstanding mentorship to their graduate students and post-docs." This Provost Award for Departmental Excellence in Faculty Mentoring is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office for Faculty Affairs. The award is given to the department or academic unit on campus that best displays excellence in onboarding and mentoring of early-career and mid-career faculty, including tenure track and non-tenure track faculty. The winning department receives $8,000 and a trophy. This year's award was given to the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. In addition, Kristen Gibson in food science and Fionna Goggin in entomology and plant pathology were two of five Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award winners, and Mahfuzur Rahman in food science was one of five awarded a Bridge Program Completion Badge. https://t.ly/vDHHx #AgFoodLife Entomological Society of America Terry Martin Suzanne McCray International Society for Plant Pathology (ISPP) American Phytopathological Society University of Arkansas Food Science Department

Mike Phillips, Edgar Mersiovsky, Robert Rorie and Jody Davis were honored recently at the annual Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Spring Awards Banquet, along with several students. Phillips was named Outstanding Ph.D. Alumnus, Mersiovsky Outstanding M.S. Alumnus, Rorie Young Alumnus and Davis Friend of the Department. Phillips, from Benton, is director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System on the campus of Auburn University. He spent 22 years at the U of A Southwest Research and Extension Center. He earned master's and doctorate degrees from the U of A in agronomy. Mersiovsky is the associate director for soil program management for the Soil and Plant Science Division with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service. He was the state soil scientist with NRCS in Arkansas from 2014-23 and from 2002-14 held several positions in the Regional Soil Survey Office and NRCS office in Little Rock. He earned his master's degree in agronomy with an emphasis in soils and geomorphology in 1993. Rorie is a research operations lead at the Corteva Research Facility in West Memphis. He began his career with the Soybean Physiology Laboratory in 2004. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the U of A. Davis is director of student records in the Student Services Office for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She is responsible for assisting with the advising needs of faculty and staff, and monitoring academic progress of students and eventually approving them for graduation. https://t.ly/NTMRt #CropScience #CESE #ESWS #AgFoodLife ASA, CSSA, SSSA Edgar Mersiovsky Robert Rorie Kaaron "Jody" Davis Mike Phillips Alabama Cooperative Extension System USDA-NRCS Corteva Agriscience

Three individuals and one family are being honored by our Department of Animal Science for support of department efforts or achievements as alumni. Tom Edrington, Jim Turner and Don Hubbell are each being honored as Graduates of Distinction. The Walker Family of Prairie Grove is being recognized as a Friend of Animal Science for its support of the ranch horse and livestock judging teams. “Looking at their careers and their industry involvement, we believe Tom, Don and Jim really represent the highest qualities we want to see in graduates from the animal science program,” said Mike Looper head of the animal science department for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It’s an honor to recognize them as our Graduates of Distinction. “The Walkers have been an incredible example and inspiration for their dedication and support of our competitive teams, which do so much to teach our students much-needed skills,” Looper said. This year’s class will be honored April 25 during the department’s annual awards and scholarship banquet. Don Hubbell Hubbell received his bachelor of science degree in animal science from the U of A. He accepted a position and worked as a research assistant with Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s Livestock and Forestry Research Station near Batesville. Hubbell was named resident director in charge of the station in May 2004, a position he held before retiring in 2022. Tom Edrington Edrington earned a master of science in animal science. He is currently in his seventh year with Diamond V, where he serves as director of beef research and tech services. Jim Turner Turner earned his Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition in 2003. In August of 2011, he began his career at Hubbard Feeds as a beef nutritionist serving the eastern United States. In January 2016, Turner accepted a position as technical service manager with Chr. Hansen, a Danish bioscience company. In January 2021, he began as director of SulutionsN working with a full portfolio of nutraceuticals. Walker Family Members of the Walker family are strong advocates of agriculture and construction. In 1974, Larry and Be-Ann started Walker Masonry and Sons, Inc. and grew it into a thriving commercial business. They started Willow Springs Ranch in 1980, beginning with dairy and beef cattle. In 1985 they changed to beef cattle exclusively. They are proud supporters of the U of A ranch horse team. Their son Eric and his wife Linsay now own and operate Walker Masonry and Sons, Willow Springs Cattle Company and The Grand at Willow Springs. They support the livestock judging team and work with the University on their non-profit organization, the Arkansas Youth Expo. #AgFoodLife American Society of Animal Science ARKANSAS CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION Animal Agriculture Alliance National Institute for Animal Agriculture

After being appointed to the position in January, Mary Savin is set to officially begin her role as head of the Department of Horticulture on April 1. Savin takes over from Wayne Mackay, who retires at the end of March after 10 years at the helm. "Horticulture is just a strong department with some excellent faculty and staff, and I think Wayne's done a fabulous job leading the department, and so I'm very excited to be here," she said. To prepare for her new role, Savin is set to take part in major horticulture conferences and will be involved in a departmental retreat with horticulture faculty to ensure an effective transition. Savin was awarded the 2022 Spitze Award Spitze Land Grant University Faculty Award for Excellence. She was also bestowed with the Jack G. Justus Award for Teaching Excellence in 2016 from Bumpers College. She also has a stellar record of professional service, including serving as faculty senate chair, campus faculty chair, co-director of the Teaching Faculty Support Center and faculty editor of Discovery — The Student Journal of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Savin has also landed more than $4.5 million in grants and had more than 80 peer-reviewed publications. "Mary has been an active part of campus leadership, and it is exciting to see her step into this new role," said Jeff Edwards, dean of Bumpers College. "Mary's strong connections with colleagues across campus and throughout the Division of Agriculture are going to be very beneficial in furthering our goal of harmonization and alignment of the three land-grant mission areas. "She genuinely cares about the success of our faculty, staff and students," Edwards added. "Horticulture is already a strong department. Wayne did a great job, and we appreciate his service and leadership. It will be exciting to see how Mary's leadership builds off of that and makes a strong department even stronger." #AgFoodLife American Society for Horticultural Science University of Arkansas Department of Horticulture American Horticultural Society Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Arkansas Department of Agriculture

As of Jan. 2, Lanier Nalley and Trent Roberts are wearing new hats, as interim department heads for agricultural economics and agribusiness and crop, soil and environmental sciences. Nalley stepped in as John Anderson moved from department head to director of the Cooperative Extension Service. Roberts moves into the post Jeff Edwards vacated to become dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Both departments serve all three land-grant missions, with faculty and staff focused on teaching the next generation of students through the Bumpers College and achieving research discoveries and conducting outreach through the U of A System Division of Agriculture and Bumpers College. Nalley, a full professor, holds a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Kansas State. He began with the U of A as an assistant professor in 2008 and moved to associate professor in 2013 before being named professor in 2018. Roberts, professor of soil fertility and soil testing, holds an endowed chair in soil fertility research. He holds a Ph.D. in soil science from the U of A. Roberts started at the U of A as a research assistant professor in 2010, moving to assistant professor and extension specialist in 2012. He became an associate professor in 2017 and full professor in 2022. https://t.ly/fulmi #AgFoodLife

This year's Graduate, our annual alumni magazine, was digitally released last fall. Cover story: Almost 10 years after plucking an insect off a wall outside a Walmart, Michael Skvarla, realized he had something special. He and Ray Fisher, a pair of entomology graduates, conducted research and published a paper after realizing Skvarla’s specimen was a giant lacewing, which was the first one ever reported in the state of Arkansas and the first in the eastern portion of the U.S. in more than 50 years. The discovery generated attention from the New York Times, New York Post, NPR, Jimmy Fallon, Yahoo News, BBC News, Popular Science and others. You’ll also read about the retirement of legendary fruit breeder and distinguished professor of horticulture John Clark; meet our outstanding alumnus DeWayne Goldmon, an Arkansas farmer and the USDA’s first senior advisor for racial justice and equity; our alumni society outstanding young alumnus Ricardo Ekmay, senior vice president of nutrition and product development with Arbiom Inc.; several donors who have made gifts in support of scholarships, including Amy Bates, Nancy Hendricks, and the Arkansas Crop Protection Association led by executive director and alum Otis Howe; new coordinator of undergraduate student recruitment and alumna Laykyn Rainbolt; new assistant dean Jacquelyn Wiersma-Mosley; Dan Miller, director of development and external relations; and Janet Collins, director of career initiatives. There’s also our Year in Pics and Class Notes sections to get you caught up things you may have missed. Check it out and let us know what you enjoyed most and if you have a story idea for next year: https://t.ly/vcDky #BumpersGrads NOT #Jurassic #AgFoodLife Entomological Society of America Arkansas Alumni Association

Jeff Edwards was named dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and senior associate vice president for academic programs of the Division of Agriculture on Oct. 25, effective Jan. 1, 2024, in a joint appointment by U of A Provost Terry Martin and U of A System Vice President for Agriculture Deacue Fields. "I'm so pleased Dr. Jeff Edwards will lead both Bumpers College and serve the Division of Agriculture in these new roles," Fields said. "As a former dean of Bumpers College and in my current position, I have a unique perspective on the specific qualities the dean should possess to aid in the college's overall success. Dr. Edwards has demonstrated these qualities, and he has a great vision for integrating functions of the land-grant mission, which will be a tremendous asset to the University of Arkansas and the UA System Division of Agriculture." As the dean of Bumpers College, Edwards will provide leadership and oversee the college's academic and research enterprises, student recruitment and operations. As senior associate vice president, Edwards will help address the many challenges and opportunities faced by agricultural and rural communities in the state. Edwards will also help connect academic activities between the Fayetteville campus with the U of A System's Division of Agriculture. "I'm honored to be named the dean of Bumpers College and appointed as a senior associate vice president with the Division of Agriculture," Edwards said. "Since earning my doctorate at the U of A, I have viewed Arkansas as my home. I'm glad I returned to Bumpers College as a department head about a year ago, and I'm grateful for this new opportunity to serve as the dean. I look forward to leading the college and raising its profile on both the national and international stage." Edwards joined the U of A in 2022 as head of the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, which includes about 80 faculty and staff members, offers two undergraduate degree programs as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, serving approximately 240 students. As head of the department, Edwards was instrumental in establishing a formal mentoring program for assistant professors, implementing regular internal communications within the department and securing funding for two state-of-the-art growth chambers. Prior to his current role at the U of A, Edwards spent 18 years at Oklahoma State University. He started as an assistant professor and small grains extension specialist in 2004 and attained the rank of full professor in 2012. From 2015 to 2022, he served as head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at OSU. https://t.ly/kQ_Dm #AgFoodLife Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station University of Arkansas University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, & Soil Science Society of America