Collis Geren Award

The Collis Geren Award was created to support graduate students enrolled in degree programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. Intended to recognize graduate students who demonstrate the creativity, ethic, and talent of the award’s namesake, the award funds travel, conference, and research-related expenses.

Students may apply for an award not to exceed $500 by submitting:

  1. A budget for planned expenses
  2. A statement explaining how the funds will be used for the student’s academic development

Requests for awards of more than $500 will be considered, but will be granted only for exceptional expenses and if funding is available.

Eligibility, Terms and Conditions

  • The recipient must be a currently enrolled, full-time, graduate student.
  • The recipient must be enrolled in a graduate degree program of the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Preference is given to graduate students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry and Master of Science in Chemistry degree programs.
  • The funds must support the recipient’s travel, conference and/or research-related expenses.
  • Funds will disburse as financial aid to the recipient’s student account.

Application and Deadlines

Students may submit online applications to the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Program Support, GEAR 213 by the deadlines. A selection committee reviews the applications and notifies students by email of the decision approximately 2-3 weeks after the deadlines.

March 15: funding for the summer semester

June 15: funding for the fall semester

October 15: funding for the spring semester

The University of Arkansas proudly establishes this award in appreciation of former Vice Provost of Research and Sponsored Programs and Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Collis Geren.

Dr. Geren first joined the University of Arkansas faculty as Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 1976 where his research explained the biological and chemical composition of the venom of brown recluse spiders and of some snakes. Dr. Geren became Associate Professor, Professor, president of the honorary science fraternity Sigma Xi, Vice-chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chair of the same, interim Chair of the Biological Sciences Department, and Chair of the Campus Faculty.

A longtime member of the Arkansas Academy of Science and author of numerous research proposals, Dr. Geren served and still serves in several statewide committees and supervised Ph.D. students, M.S. students and honors undergraduate students.

Dean Geren’s steadfast commitment to research, service, and science education inspire this award.1