Paprocki Honored with OVC Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award

Jeremy Paprocki, an advanced instructor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation at UA Little Rock, has been named the recipient of the 2024-25 Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award by the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

The award, established by the provosts of OVC member institutions, recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success, curriculum development, professional growth, and community involvement.

Paprocki, who has been with UA Little Rock since 2016, is known for his dedication to student-athletes and his flexible approach to teaching. With a background in exercise physiology and experience as a strength and conditioning coach for multiple Olympic sports teams, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He teaches courses such as Care and Prevention of Injuries, Exercise Wellness & Lifestyle, Exercise Principles and Methods, and Advanced First Aid.

“I am very grateful for receiving this award,” Paprocki said. “Our department offers degrees in Exercise Science, K-12 Physical Education, Sports Management, Health Promotion, and Coaching, so all of our faculty should have a strong relationship with student-athletes and the athletic department. Hopefully, awards like this one reflect that commitment.”

Paprocki’s approach to student success is rooted in understanding the challenges faced by student-athletes, particularly in managing their demanding schedules. Having been a student-athlete himself, he recognizes the pressures of balancing academics with in-season, post-season, and off-season commitments. His guiding principle in the classroom is clear: students must communicate proactively about their schedules, and in return, he ensures flexibility to help them succeed.

“I believe a student-athlete’s schedule is similar to many of our students who are parents, work full time, or serve in the military,” Paprocki said. “If they can be proactive and responsible, we as faculty need to work with them as well.”

Paprocki’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. He regularly attends sporting events to support his students, with basketball and volleyball being his favorites. He also enjoys taking his three-year-old son to outdoor events like soccer and track meets. This past year, he attended his first baseball game and wrestling meet and looks forward to attending more in the future.

His impact on students is evident in testimonials from those he has mentored. Student-athlete Serenity Thake praised Paprocki’s ability to inspire students and provide meaningful learning experiences.

“Professor Paprocki has been a cornerstone of my university experience, and his influence has shaped my academic and career aspirations,” Thake said. “What truly sets Professor Paprocki apart is his ability to create a learning environment where every student feels valued. His encouragement and belief in our potential has motivated me to push myself further, both academically and professionally. He exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”

“Professor Paprocki’s passion for exercise science transformed my interest into a career aspiration,” Thake said. “His support in balancing academics and athletics has been invaluable, and his presence at our games shows how much he genuinely cares.”

UA Little Rock Provost Ann Bain also commended Paprocki’s contributions in her nomination letter, highlighting his commitment to student learning and service.

“Since first joining UA Little Rock, he has worked closely with the university’s student-athletes,” Provost Bain said. “Students who have taken his classes have noted Mr. Paprocki’s dedication to their success in the classroom and his support outside of the class as well. Other groups beyond students and faculty have noted Mr. Paprocki’s dedication to student success as well. In 2022, he was chosen to be the Arkansas Teacher of the Year from the Society of Health and Physical Educations because of his dedication to student’s learning needs and service work.”