Long-time University of the Ozarks professors (pictured, from left) Pam Smith, NaLisa Brown and Susan Edens have all been promoted and placed on the tenure-earning track, effective Jan. 1, 2023, University officials announced this week.
Edens was promoted from associate professor of practice of communication to associate professor of communication, Smith will advance from associate professor of practice of education to associate professor of education, and Brown moves from instructor of business to assistant professor of marketing. All three will be placed on tenure-track and will eligible for tenure once they meet University requirements.
The promotions were recommended by Dr. Jeff Elwell, vice president for academic affairs, and approved by Richard Dunsworth, University president.
“It was a no-brainer for all three of these professors in receive promotion and be placed tenure-track,” Elwell said. “They are dedicated and talented faculty members who have made a significant impact on Ozarks students for many years. We’re happy to be able to provide these well-earned promotions and to give them an opportunity to get tenure.”
Edens, a 1992 communications graduate from Ozarks, has worked at her alma mater since 1997, beginning as an admission counselor and moving to the classroom in 2002. She will eligible for tenure in the 2024-25 academic year and for promotion to full professor in 2026-27.
“I so appreciate this recognition by the University,” Edens said. “I look forward to the exciting and dynamic future of preparing students for the ever-growing multimedia industry.”
Edens was the recipient of the University’s 2018 Richard and Katherene Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award.
Smith, who is also the director of the University’s Pat Walker Teacher Education Program, is a 1990 Ozarks graduate who has taught at the University since 2015. She will be eligible for tenure in 2025-26 and will be eligible for promotion to full professor in 2027-28.
“I am humbled by this honor and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to fulfill our mission to prepare future professional teachers who are committed to instructing a broad range of students from diverse backgrounds and diverse needs,” Smith said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the education department that taught me to love learning and teaching.”
Smith, who served 25 years as a classroom teacher and principal in public school systems before joining Ozarks, was the recipient of the 2019 Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award.
Brown, who was the recipient of the 2020 Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award, came to Ozarks in 2008 as an adjunct faculty member and was an instructor from 2010 to 2014. She rejoined the University as an instructor in 2017. She will be eligible for tenure and promotion to associate professor of business in 2027-28.
Brown will take the teaching lead in the University’s new marketing major, which was added for the Fall 2022 Semester.
“Working with Ozarks students in this new role is a great honor,” Brown said. “As assistant professor of marketing, I am able to concentrate on an area I have loved since college. I’m excited to grow the new marketing major and encourage our students to incorporate marketing concepts professionally and personally.”
In related news, Joel Rossmaier will voluntarily move from associate professor of practice of business to instructor of business, effective Jan. 1, 2023.
Topics: About, Communication Studies, Education, Faculty Spotlights, Marketing