University of Arkansas staff members receive 2016 Hoyt Purvis Award for Service in International Education

University of Arkansas staff members Amy Farmer, Mary Serafini and DeDe Long were announced as winners of the 2016 Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education.

The trio was recognized at the recent Chancellor's Reception for International Scholars.

University professor of economics Farmer was recognized as the university faculty award recipient for her work with the global community development programs in Belize, Mozambique and Vietnam.

The first program began in Belize in 2007. Farmer led the program in its expansion to Mozambique and Vietnam.

"Students have told me how their experiences in Belize, Mozambique and Vietnam have changed their lives …thanks in a large part to the woman who made them possible (Farmer)," Honors College Interim Associate Dean Jennie Popp said.

The university staff award recipient was Serafini, associate vice chancellor and Pat Walker Health Center executive director. She ensures international students are treated with care and respect from their first visit to the health center to their final checkup. She also helps students prepare for their studies abroad.
  
For her work with international education, Long received the Graduate School and International Education staff award.

As the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange director, Long has increased the number of students studying abroad. More than 1,000 Arkansas students studied in nearly 50 countries in 2015-2016.

"DeDe has put the University of Arkansas on the world map with her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication," Emeritus University of Arkansas professor of journalism and international relations Hoyt Purvis said. "No one has done more to establish and nurture study abroad and international education at this university."