Cronan, Goforth, Reigh Win 2024 Geren-Koski Awards

Cassandra Thomas

Paul Cronan (center) with Pat Koski (left) and Lois Geren.

The Graduate School and International Education recognized three U of A staff and faculty members for their commitment to graduate education during the annual Geren-Koski Awards reception held April 17.

The Collis R. Geren and Patricia R. Koski Awards are given to faculty and staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to graduate education. The award was initiated in 2010 in honor of Geren, who served as the dean of the U of A Graduate School for nearly 20 years and passed away this January. It was renamed in 2022 to also honor Koski, who served as dean and associate dean of the U of A Graduate School for 25 years.

The awardees receive a monetary award, in addition to having their names placed on permanent plaques outside of the GSIE Dean's Office in Gearhart Hall. More information on the awards can be found on the GSIE website.

The winners of this year's awards were:

• Outstanding Faculty Award: Paul Cronan, professor of information systems, M.D. Matthews Chair in Information Systems and director of information systems graduate degree programs
• Outstanding Staff Award: Sarah Goforth, executive director in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Outstanding GSIE Staff Award: Sedivy Reigh, director of human resources in GSIE

Paul Cronan

Cronan is a longstanding faculty member in Walton College, where he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to graduate education by chairing departmental, program and college graduate committees, as well as serving on the Graduate Council.

"Dr. Cronan has made tremendous contributions to graduate education at the University of Arkansas, Walton College of Business and the Information Systems Department, and done so over several decades," his nomination letter states. "Dr. Cronan has not only excelled as an instructor, but his deep desire to enable graduate student success is also reflected in his continual efforts to enhance our programs and curricula. He identifies opportunities for new programs, leads in the creation of new graduate programs and then works with colleagues within the department as well as across the Walton College and the University of Arkansas to implement them in a timely fashion."

Sarah Goforth with Dean Ed Pohl

Sarah Goforth

In her role leading the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Goforth creates opportunities for graduate students through numerous programming and initiatives. Under her leadership, her office established the Graduate Entrepreneurial Fellowship to support graduate students interested in taking a deeper dive into entrepreneurship, allowing more students the financial flexibility to earn the Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

Her nomination letter states, "Sarah has dedicated herself throughout her time at OEI to advancing opportunities for graduate students across campus. Sarah has been the driving force behind initiatives both large and small that create an environment where graduate students can explore problem solving and commercialization of their ideas, opening unexpected career paths and professional success."

Sedivy Reigh

Sedivy Reigh

Reigh began in GSIE in 2008 as an admissions analyst before moving up to human resources manager for GSIE prior to becoming director. As director, she oversees the hiring, onboarding and development of employees in the Graduate School and International Education.

"She is an unsung hero of our unit, ensuring that critical processes run smoothly for the hiring of our graduate assistants and graduate education staff," said Ed Pohl, dean of the Graduate School and International Education, during the awards reception.

"Sedivy has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years ensuring that GSIE runs smoothly," her nomination letter states. "When Workday was first implemented, she worked 50 to 60 hours per weeks making the system work for our needs. She is the only human resources employee in our entire unit, and with the constant change in employees, she is extremely busy, very detailed oriented and always has a positive attitude. GSIE is a much better unit because of her."