U of A Science And Research Communications Program Named One Of Top Three In Nation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The science and research communications unit at the University of Arkansas has been chosen as one of the top three programs in the nation by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The science and research communications program received a bronze medal as part of CASE's Circle of Excellence awards, which are given annually in several areas. Only two other universities received awards - one a bronze and the other a silver medal - in the same category this year.

"To have built a program like this from scratch in less than 20 months, and to win national recognition in such a short time, speaks to the hard work and dedication to excellence demonstrated by our professional staff," said Roger Williams, associate vice chancellor for university relations, in whose office the science and research communication unit is lodged.

The three writers honored for their work include science and research communications officers Allison Hogge and Carolyne Garcia and the unit manager Melissa Blouin.

"We have been able to achieve this recognition so quickly thanks in large part to our talented faculty," Blouin said. "The international success we've had in promoting faculty research stories is testimony to their hard work and creativity."

The group submitted five writing samples, accompanied by clips from international, national, state and local media outlets, and wrote a two-page description of the U of A program. An independent group of higher education professionals judged the entries from a national pool.

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Roger Williams, associate vice chancellor for university relations, (479) 575-5555, rogerw@comp.uark.edu

Melissa Blouin, science and research communications manager, (479) 575-5555, blouin@comp.uark.edu