Extraordinary UA Women

Extraordinary women – and those who support them – can be found across the University of Arkansas campus. There is no limit to our campus capacity for women to serve as role models, mentors, good citizens and friends.

A women's advocate is an individual who leads by example, is a role model, and is an inspiration for others seeking gender equality and women's empowerment. They empower those around them and make a positive impact on women's experiences on our campus.

"The Commission on Women membership thought there was no better way to shine a light on extraordinary women and women's advocates than to collect nominations of those outstanding members of the University of Arkansas who inspire and support others through a public nomination process. The nomination process is ongoing, and the campus continues to show a very strong desire to recognize women and those who advocate for women." -Zajicek, 2020, Chair of the Women's Commission

		2024	2022
Extraordinary Women Honorees:	Faculty	Rebekah Samsonraj, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering	Kim Needy, Dean, College of Engineering
	Staff	Kathryn Zawiska, Associate CIO for Campus Partnerships, University IT Services	Lori Libbert, Program Coordinator for Teaching & Faculty Support Center
	Student	Shantel Romer, M.S. Student in Industrial Engineering	Christina Barres, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology
Women's Advocate Honorees:	Faculty	Mostafa Elsaadany, Teaching Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering	Matt Judah, Assistant Professor, Psychology
	Staff	Xochitl Delgado Solorzano, Assistant Dean, Honors College	Parice Bowser, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Greek Life, Associate Dean of Students
	Student	Adedoyin Abe, Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering	Ayla Mapes, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology

*posting two years of data, awards were not given in 2023.