The April 2025 Core Values Award for Excellence has been awarded to Deziree Arnett, Assistant Professor in the Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences and Program Director of the Radiologic Imaging Sciences program. The nomination criteria for an ideal candidate is:
- Those who consistently exceed expectations, demonstrate exceptional skills, and inspire others to strive for excellence.
- Individuals who set the bar high and achieve remarkable outcomes.
The people who nominated Deziree for this award had the following to say about her:
“Deziree truly shows what excellence looks like through her leadership and everyday actions. Since becoming director last September, she has worked incredibly hard to support the program, the faculty and staff, and our students. She goes above and beyond her role—not just getting things done, but doing them with care, kindness, and a focus on making things better for everyone around her. Deziree creates a strong, team-focused environment where everyone feels included. She involves the entire department in conversations, listens to input, and encourages open communication. She also finds thoughtful ways to show appreciation—whether it’s buying small thank-you gifts for employees, providing snacks for students, or simply checking in with a smile. She is always smiling and a joy to be around. Her positive energy and genuine care for others make the workplace better every day. Deziree doesn’t just set the bar—she lifts everyone up to reach it with her.”
“I am nominating Deziree Arnett because she is our fearless leader. She works hard everyday to ensure that things in our department are running smoothly and that we all feel well supported. She truly cares about her job and about seeing us succeed. She is kind, nurturing, knowledgeable, and everything else that UAMS represents. She puts her entire heart and soul into her job and it does not go unnoticed. It is a joy to work for her.”