Three members of the University of Arkansas community received the 2021 Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education. The award recognizes an academic faculty member, an academic staff member, and a graduate school and international education staff member for their outstanding service in the field of international education.

In addition, Patricia R. Koski, Dean of the Graduate School and International Education, received the Hoyt Purvis Commendation for her leadership in international education. Koski has been an advocate for international education at U of A for almost 30 years.

“The directors of our international education units have chosen to honor Dean Koski for his long-standing development, concern and care for international students,” said Curt Rom, associate dean of international education. Presenting the award, Rom noted that Koski has dedicated himself to decades of advocacy and support for international student programs, working to create a community that inspires student belonging, academic achievement and global awareness.

2021 Hoyt Purvis Award Recipients

Lisa S. Wood is the recipient of the University Faculty Award. Wood is Associate Dean for International Education at Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, where she is considered a strong advocate for international students coming to university and domestic students studying abroad. Wood manages Bumpers College’s study abroad programs and also develops international service learning programs, including one where students work alongside locals and experts in health, agriculture, culture and education. in Belize.

Koski said, “She is a true partner, collaborator and most importantly an advocate for students who creates a safe, supportive and inclusive space for students to explore the world and understand each other in the global environment.”

Bryan hill, Associate Dean for Student Success at the College of Engineering, is the recipient of the Academic Staff Member Award. Hill has led the College of Engineering’s international efforts and has also been an integral part of several joint efforts with GSIE to bring international students to our campus and send domestic students abroad.

Hill started a program that allowed engineering students to spend a semester abroad without losing their progress. As a result, the number of engineering students studying abroad has grown from an average of eight per year to almost 50 per year.

“Dean Hill is an example of collaboration, leadership and commitment to the international education community,” Koski said. “He has worked within engineering and other units to promote international education in a way that benefits students and our university.”

Gloria Flores Passmore, Director of the Office of Sponsored Students and Special Programs, is the recipient of the Graduate School Staff and International Education Award.

“She has been a tireless advocate for international sponsored students and has always been available 24/7 for any student problem, issue or emergency,” Koski said. “A separate unit for sponsored students is unique among our international peer education units and has developed ours into a regionally and nationally recognized unit. “

Flores-Passmore has built strong relationships with sponsors such as the Saudi Ministry of Culture, Institute for International Education, SABIC Company and other sponsoring organizations. She has also developed a strong relationship with the US Fulbright Program and the Fulbright Association and has been a faculty sponsor for the Fulbright Student RSO campus.

About the Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education: The award was created to honor Purvis, professor emeritus of journalism and international relations, for his contributions and advocacy for international education at the University of Arkansas. He was the first recipient of the award which began in the spring of 2016.