Farewell Reception April 3 for Fulbright College’s Lisa Summerford

Lisa Summerford.

Please join us to say farewell to Lisa Summerford, assistant dean of academic services in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and celebrate her more than 37 years of service to the U of A and Fulbright College.

The campus community is invited to celebrate Summerford’s achievements and to wish her well during a drop-in retirement reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the Fulbright College Dean’s Office in Old Main 523.

“If you ask anyone around campus, they’ll just talk about what a wonderful coworker and administrator Lisa has been,” said Shane Barker, assistant dean for academics in Fulbright College. “She has guided the academic services operations in this college through several decades and a tremendous amount of change.”

“The Fulbright College commencement ceremony, for example, has been such a well-organized, meaningful event for students and their families year after year, and that’s just one of her many contributions to this college,” Barker added. “Her positive impact will be felt throughout the college for many years to come.”

Summerford, who is an alumna of the U of A, started her career at the university in 1985 by supporting Wally Cordes, the former chair of the Department of Chemistry.

From the Department of Chemistry, Summerford worked in the Office of Development, which is now University Advancement, and then as assistant to the dean of Fulbright College. In 1999, Summerford was promoted to assistant dean of academic services in Fulbright College.

“Making the decision to join Lisa’s team and Fulbright College was the very best decision I could’ve ever made for my career,” said Ginger Daily, assistant director for graduation in Fulbright College. “She’s been instrumental in my life, both personally and professionally, and I don’t have enough words to thank her for all she has done for me.”

“Lisa has always wanted the very best for Fulbright College, and she has always put Fulbright College first,” Daily added.

In her tenure in Fulbright College, Summerford has supported seven deans of the college, overseeing the college’s academic processes and students in their journey from day one to commencement. 

“Lisa has a tremendous record of service, and we cannot be more grateful for the time, care and devotion she has shown to our students and our Dean’s Office over the years,” said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College.

“Congratulations, Lisa, on a standout career here at the U of A, on reaching this ultimate career milestone, and on starting this next chapter ahead. We wish you all the best in retirement!” Sloan added.

After nearly four decades of service to the institution, Summerford will retire at the end of April. Her last day at the U of A will be Friday, April 12.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.