Departing faculty recognized for service

By Wesley Reynaud, The Herald Staff

Eight retiring Arkansas State University faculty members were recognized Tuesday for their service to the university at the Faculty Honors Convocation in the Carl R. Reng Center Ballroom.

Three faculty members were also recognized for outstanding achievement with awards given by the Board of Trustees.

Each of the eight taught at the university for more than ten years, and was named to emeritus status.

The College of Arts and Sciences bid farewell to four faculty members at the ceremony, all of whom joined ASU in 1970.

"The college loses four heavy hitters," said Linda Pritchard, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "We will notice it, and will attempt to carry on in the tradition of these four excellent faculty members."

Dr. Thomas Bishop, professor of mathematics in the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, retired with 32 years of service to the university.
Martha Jane Gill, instructor in French for the Department of Languages, was also recognized for 32 years of service.

Dr. Calvin Smith leaves the Department of History as a professor after 32 years. Smith was the first African-American member of the tenured teaching faculty.
The Department of Computer Science and Mathematics also looses Dr. Richard Tangeman, professor of mathematics, also after 32 years.

The College of Education lost one faculty member. Dr. Mitchell Masters leaves with 26 years of experience at ASU.

He was a professor of education in the department of educational leadership, curriculum and special education.

His wife, Kathy Masters, is also retiring from the University College as an instructor and director of freshman studies after 25 years of service. The two are planning a move to a recently purchased home in New Mexico.

In the College of Fine Arts, two faculty members are leaving the university.
Dr. Theron Waddle, associate professor of music, is retiring after 22 years in the Department of Music.

Also leaving is Dr. Steven Mayes, professor of art in the Department of Art, after 14 years.

Three faculty members were also recognized at the ceremony with Faculty Achievement Awards given by the ASU Board of Trustees.

Assistant Professor of History Gina Hogue won the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. Hogue joined the faculty of ASU in 1990, and received both her undergraduate and master's degrees from ASU.

Nola Christenberry, associate professor for psychology and counseling, received the Faculty Award for Scholarship. Christenberry came to ASU 14 years ago, and received her undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees from Arkansas State, and her Ph.D. from then Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis.

Assistant Professor of English Cyndy Hendershot was awarded the Faculty Award for Scholarship. Hendershot began her career at ASU in 1997. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico State University, and her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University.

The awards are given based on nominations from colleagues and a university committee reviews the nominations and makes the selections.