University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Welcomes 25 New Faculty Members for 2025-26 Academic Year

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) is set to enhance its academic offerings with the addition of 25 full-time faculty members for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This strategic move aims to bolster programs across three colleges and provide enriched academic resources for students.

New Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences

UAFS will welcome seven new faculty members to the College of Arts and Sciences, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise.

Mathematics and Science Experts

• Deborah Chun will take on the role of department head and professor of mathematics. With a Ph.D. in mathematics from Louisiana State University, Chun previously taught at West Virginia University Tech.

• Radwa Hanafy, an assistant professor of microbiology, joins from the FDA’s Center for Toxicological Research. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from Oklahoma State University and has over a decade of experience in environmental and molecular microbiology.

• Michael Maguigan, a visiting assistant professor of physical science, earned his Ph.D. in geology from Mississippi State University. He has taught geology and environmental science at Louisiana State University-Shreveport.

Creative and Biological Sciences

• Kang Ma, an assistant professor of graphic design, holds an MFA from Yale University and previously taught at St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn.

• Christopher Pierret will serve as department chair and professor of biological sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri and has collaborated with the University of Hawaii and Mayo Clinic.

• Peter Sassman, an assistant professor of mathematics, recently completed his Ph.D. at Northern Illinois University and has teaching experience in Japan.

• Tom Sokolowski, an assistant professor of English, rhetoric, and writing, holds an MFA from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. from Florida State University, with published fiction in various literary journals.

Expanding the College of Business and Industry

The College of Business and Industry will see six new faculty members, enhancing its educational offerings.

Industry Professionals Join the Faculty

• Mike Franks and Eric Rygaard will serve as instructors of welding technology for the Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC). Both bring extensive industry experience to their roles.

• Pradip Kharbuja, an instructor of Network Engineering Technology, holds a master’s degree in computer science and has worked in IT and software development.

• Yuchen Luo, an assistant professor of finance, comes from Georgetown University with a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Arkansas.

• Lee Stovall, an instructor of accounting and business, is a certified public accountant with a master’s degree in accounting.

• Dillon Walker, an assistant professor of accounting, recently completed his Ph.D. and has over a decade of experience in the field.

New Additions to the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences

Ten new faculty members will join the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, further enriching UAFS’s commitment to healthcare and education.

Diverse Expertise in Health and Education

• Brittany Arnold will serve as a Practical Nursing instructor, bringing experience from her roles in emergency nursing and as a healthcare adjunct instructor.

• Stephen Berry, an assistant professor of psychology, specializes in applied psychology and has published research in several scholarly journals.

• Madison Branham joins as an instructor in the School of Nursing, transitioning from her role as a labor and delivery RN.

• Corri Brosius and Netlla Cureton will serve as visiting instructors in early childhood education and the School of Education, respectively, both bringing extensive K-12 experience.

• Serena Dodson and Michaela Lantz will contribute to the School of Nursing, with backgrounds in nursing and clinical care.

• Alicia Redding, an instructor of imaging sciences-sonography, brings years of experience in radiography and sonography.

Enhancements at Boreham Library

In addition to faculty hires, UAFS has also welcomed two new staff members to the Boreham Library.

• Deidre Grzymala will serve as the collection development librarian, while Roxy Wylie takes on the role of student success librarian, both bringing valuable educational backgrounds to their positions.

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The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith’s strategic hiring of 25 new faculty members reflects its commitment to academic excellence and student success. By enhancing its educational offerings across various disciplines, UAFS is poised to provide students with a richer learning experience, preparing them for future challenges in their respective fields. This initiative not only strengthens the university’s academic framework but also underscores its dedication to fostering a vibrant educational community.