UA Little Rock Names Faculty Excellence Award College-Level Winners in Public Service
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named three faculty members as college-level recipients of the Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service, recognizing faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving the university, community, and profession.
Each academic college has the opportunity to select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized at the UA Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level award will also be announced, which is sponsored by Alfred Williams in Honor of Elaine Eubank.
The 2026 finalists are Dr. Ashokkumar Sharma of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; and Professor Anastasia Boles of the William H. Bowen School of Law.
Ashokkumar Sharma
Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Dr. Ashokkumar Sharma, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is recognized for his extensive service to the university, professional organizations, and the broader engineering community. His work spans leadership roles in academic governance, professional societies, and initiatives that advance engineering education and collaboration.
Through his service, Dr. Sharma has helped strengthen connections between academia and industry while contributing to the advancement of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology as disciplines. His leadership in professional organizations and advisory groups has supported opportunities for students and faculty while elevating the visibility of UA Little Rock within the engineering community.
“I believe service is an important way faculty can contribute beyond the classroom and the lab,” Sharma said. “Whether working with professional organizations, mentoring students, or supporting university initiatives, these efforts help strengthen our programs and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers.”
April Chatham-Carpenter
College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education
Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and chair of the Department of Applied Communication, is recognized for her work applying communication expertise to strengthen civic dialogue and democratic engagement locally, nationally, and on campus. She also co-hosts the public affairs podcast On the Other Hand, which features conversations with leaders and community members about issues shaping Arkansas and the nation.
Her service includes national and state leadership roles with Braver Angels, a grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization and strengthening civic discourse. In this capacity, she facilitates workshops, contributes to national and state initiatives, and supports a network of community leaders working to bridge political divides and foster constructive dialogue across differences.
Chatham-Carpenter also brings that work back to campus and the broader community through courses, trainings, and public programs that help students, faculty, and community partners develop skills for navigating difficult conversations and conflict. Her outreach includes facilitating workshops for organizations such as the City of Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and other community partners across the state.
“Service allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “By helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.”
Anastasia Boles
William H. Bowen School of Law
Professor Anastasia Boles of the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is recognized for her leadership in advancing access to justice and expanding opportunities for students to engage in public service.
Boles co-founded the Bowen Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform, which leads research and community initiatives addressing disparities in the criminal justice system. Through the center, she directs several major initiatives, including Court Observation Arkansas, a statewide project that trains students to observe court proceedings and gather data to better understand how the justice system operates across Arkansas.
Her work also includes the Bowen Pathway Project, which helps prepare underrepresented students for law school through LSAT preparation and pipeline programs, as well as collaborations with community partners and courts throughout the state.
“Through my work with the center, I am able to connect academic research and teaching to the real needs of communities,” Boles said. “We aim to expand access to justice while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with the legal system and serve the public.”