爱啪网

Art and Design | Featured | NewsApril 10, 2026

Students Honor Faculty and Staff with Distinguished Awards

Written By: Ian Silvester

Students from the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith have recognized Bryan Alexis and Susan Krafft as recipients of the 2025-26 Student Government Association Faculty and Staff Awards.

Both awards were presented by SGA members April 10, during the UAFS Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day event, highlighting Alexis鈥� and Krafft鈥檚 contributions to student well-being and character.

Lori Norin Faculty Appreciation Award: Bryan Alexis

Alexis, a professor of art and graphic design, was awarded the Lori Norin Faculty Appreciation Award. The award, named after Norin, a longtime faculty member, recognizes a faculty member who embodies Norin鈥檚 campus culture, spirit, and passion for student learning.

Upon learning of his recognition, Alexis said he was moved. He called Norin an amazing person and worked with her for several years after arriving at UAFS in 2006.

鈥淚 feel honored at the recognition and feel really lucky to be making my way through life doing all the things I love,鈥� he said.

Alexis鈥� passion translates to the classroom, and his students have seen it on full display. From lectures to labs, students like Lysander Gainor said Alexis is respectful, effective, and offers insightful critiques to help all his students find success.

鈥淗e keeps expectations real and speaks good truth, especially when it gets tough to keep up, like some wise sage,鈥� Lysander said in his nomination of Alexis. 鈥淗e sets an amazing example and leads by it.鈥�

Mark Horn Staff Appreciation Award: Susan Krafft

Krafft, executive director of the Babb Center for Career Services, has been vital to student success since her arrival in 2021. She was awarded the Mark Horn Staff Appreciation Award, named after Horn, who dedicated more than 20 years to UAFS and was known for treating everyone with respect and leading with a humble confidence.

Students said Krafft is outstanding in every effort she makes with them, from catchy emails to always being on trend. They said it is apparent how much she enjoys what she does and working with UAFS students.

鈥淥ur students are the whole reason we are here, and I enjoy the relationships I鈥檝e built with so many of them over the years,鈥� Krafft said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got some great, great students at UAFS, and I love spending time with them, hearing their stories, and seeing their hard work and success! I hope this means I have a positive influence on our students and can serve as a resource for them 鈥� someone they can count on to help at any point in their college journey.鈥�

• Tags:
• Faculty and Staff Appreciation
• Lori Norin Faculty Appreciation Award
• Mark Horn Staff Appreciation Award
• Faculty and Staff Awards