Exciting Growth at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: 25 New Full-Time Faculty Members Join the Team!

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is gearing up for the 2025-26 academic year by welcoming 25 new full-time faculty members. This addition aims to boost academic programs across three colleges and provide more resources for students.

New Faces in Academia

College of Arts and Sciences

1. Deborah Chun joins as the department head and professor of mathematics. With a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, she brings experience from West Virginia University Tech.

2. Radwa Hanafy, an assistant professor of microbiology, comes from the FDA’s Center for Toxicological Research. With over a decade in the field, her Ph.D. is from Oklahoma State University.

3. Kang Ma will teach graphic design. He earned his master’s degree from Yale in 2021 and has prior teaching experience in New York.

4. Michael Maguigan is the new visiting assistant professor of physical science, holding a Ph.D. in geology. He previously taught at Louisiana State University-Shreveport.

5. Christopher Pierret takes on the role of department chair for biological sciences. A Ph.D. graduate from the University of Missouri, he has collaborated with the Mayo Clinic.

6. Peter Sassman, an assistant professor of mathematics, has taught in Japan and earned his Ph.D. in mathematics just last year.

7. Tom Sokolowski will be the assistant professor of English. His fiction has appeared in numerous literary journals, adding depth to the department.

College of Business and Industry

1. Mike Franks joins as an instructor of welding technology. His practical experience includes over a decade at Black Hills Energy.

2. Pradip Kharbuja, instructor of Network Engineering Technology, has a strong background in IT, coming from Freddie Mac.

3. Yuchen Luo, with a Ph.D. in finance, joins from Georgetown University, enriching the finance program with his expertise.

4. Eric Rygaard will also teach welding technology. He has a background in educational technology and prior teaching roles.

5. Lee Stovall, an instructor of accounting, is a retired special agent with the U.S. Treasury and a CPA.

6. Dillon Walker, an assistant professor of accounting, brings 11 years of experience and recently completed his Ph.D.

College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences

1. Brittany Arnold, a Practical Nursing instructor, arrives with emergency nursing experience and an associate degree in nursing.

2. Stephen Berry, an assistant professor of psychology, focuses on media attitudes and consumer behavior and has notable academic publications.

3. Madison Branham will instruct in the School of Nursing, transitioning from her role as a labor and delivery RN.

4. Corri Brosius, visiting instructor in early childhood education, brings 14 years of teaching experience.

5. Netlla Cureton, in the School of Education, has over 20 years in K-12 education, enhancing the program’s leadership.

6. Serena Dodson, visiting instructor in allied health, has notable experience as a healthcare adjunct instructor.

7. Michaela Lantz is an instructor for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, with diverse nursing backgrounds.

8. Lindsey Pannell, also a visiting instructor, has significant experience as an instructional facilitator.

9. Malia Price joins the nursing program, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience from Mercy Fort Smith.

10. Alicia Redding, instructor of imaging sciences-sonography, offers years of hands-on experience in radiography.

Library Staff Updates

The Boreham Library has also added two new staff members:

• Deidre Grzymala is the new collection development librarian with a degree in theatre and a master’s in library science.

• Roxy Wylie joins as the student success librarian, holding degrees in history and library science.

This growth in faculty is not just about filling positions; it’s about enriching the university’s community. Experts in education, like Dr. John Dewey, have long argued that effective teaching requires diverse experiences and perspectives. The new hires at UAFS reflect this philosophy and aim to enhance the quality of education offered.

Recent statistics show that universities with diverse teaching staff report higher student satisfaction rates. When students encounter faculty from various backgrounds and expertise, they often feel more engaged and supported.

As UAFS continues to grow, these changes promise to create a more vibrant academic environment for everyone involved.

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