April 28, 2026 – Each year at Honors Day Convocation, Hendrix College recognizes
its faculty award winners. This year’s recipients, Dr. David Hales, Dr. Lilian
Contreras-Silva, and Dr. Laura MacDonald '09, were celebrated during the April 23
ceremony.
The United Methodist Church’s Exemplary Teaching Award:
Dr. David Hales
The United Methodist Church's Exemplary Teaching Award
recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching;
civility and concern for students and colleagues; commitment to value-centered
education; and service to students, the institution, and community.
Dr. Hales joined the Hendrix faculty 34 years ago in 1992.
As such, he has been instrumental in making the Chemistry department a place
where students have an exemplary experience. He has taught courses and labs
across the chemistry curriculum and is committed to exploring new pedagogical
approaches.
Outside the classroom Dr. Hales is a dedicated mentor to
students in the research lab and as an academic advisor. One of his nominators
said, “He models what it means to be a colleague, approaching every task with
thoughtfulness and integrity.” They added that he deftly “slows down complex
concepts, turning every lecture into a collaborative exercise in critical
thinking.” They also said he “seamlessly blends ‘old school’ teaching with
modern, heart-led mentorship.” He clearly exemplifies what this award is meant
to honor.
His dedication to students and Hendrix also spills over
to sharing his other gift as a talented saxophone player with us at the recent
Dance Ensemble performance. Clearly multitalented, he is a gift to Hendrix, and
this honor is well deserved.
The Carole Herrick Award for Excellence in Academic
Advising: Dr. Lilian Contreras-Silva
The Carole Herrick Award for Excellence in Academic
Advising is given to recognize high-quality academic advising, which includes
contributions in advising that help students formulate and achieve their
intellectual, career, and personal goals.
Dr. Contreras-Silva has been with Hendrix for 26 years.
Student nominations emphasized her approachable, thoughtful advising and
genuine care.
As one student wrote, Dr. Contreras-Silva responds to questions “with wit
and patience” and makes “the gap between what I see can be done post-degree and
who I am now feel less huge and impossible.” Students also highlighted her
guidance in helping them navigate opportunities while maintaining balance,
noting that she “consistently [goes] above and beyond” and is “a highlight of
my Hendrix experience…a sincere advocate for unto the whole person,” the
Hendrix College motto.
The committee also noted her leadership contributions to
last year's advising committee, including her role in developing the summer
registration process for entering students. For all these things and more, Hendrix
is proud to honor her with this award.
The Dionne Bennett Jackson Prize for Diversity and
Inclusion: Dr. Laura MacDonald
The Dionne Bennett Jackson Prize for Diversity and
Inclusion recognizes and rewards faculty or staff members for their
demonstrated contributions to cultivating and nurturing a diverse, inclusive,
and welcoming campus community. By highlighting examples of consistent advocacy
to diversity and inclusion, the Jackson Prize identifies professional models
and celebrates the College’s commitment to and statement on diversity.
Dr. MacDonald has consistently centered equity, access,
and belonging in her work, particularly in the ways she supports students and
strengthens pathways into STEM fields. Her dedication to creating more
inclusive environments is not just one aspect of her work, it is at the
forefront of everything she does.
One of the most visible examples of Dr. MacDonald's leadership is
her role as principal investigator on the NSF S-STEM grant. Through this
initiative, Dr. MacDonald and her collaborators provided financial, academic, and
social support to students from underserved regions across Arkansas. The
results speak for themselves: an extraordinary 95 percent retention rate, far
exceeding traditional outcomes.
Beyond these impressive accomplishments, Dr. MacDonald's influence is also felt in quieter but equally important ways. Through her
mentorship, conversations, and collaborative work, she has helped cultivate a
culture that values inclusion, support, and opportunity. Her passion has shaped
not only programs and initiatives, but also the everyday environment in which
our students and colleagues learn and work.
For her sustained leadership, meaningful impact, and
unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive Hendrix community, we are
proud to recognize Dr. Laura MacDonald as the recipient of the Dr. Dionne Bennett
Jackson Prize for Diversity and Inclusion.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College
is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way
You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal
arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that
links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion,
justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to
lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose