KU announces first recipients of Faculty Service Award

LAWRENCE — The Office of Faculty Affairs at the University of Kansas has announced the first two recipients of the newly established Faculty Service Award. This award recognizes faculty members who provide outstanding service to the KU community through institutional service at the department, school, college and university levels. 

The 2026 Faculty Service Award recipients are Joshua Arpin, assistant teaching professor in the School of Business, and Karen Moeller, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.  

Both recipients received surprise visits from Provost Arash Mafi and members of the Office of Faculty Affairs, who celebrated the recognition alongside colleagues and students. Each awardee will receive $2,000. 

“In addition to research and teaching, service is essential to the functioning and success of the university,” said Amy Mendenhall, vice provost for faculty affairs. “Faculty service is often overlooked and underappreciated, but we know it is foundational for a thriving university. We are so excited to recognize two very deserving individuals through this year’s Faculty Service Awards as we continue to cultivate a culture that celebrates service.”  

About the recipients 

Joshua Arpin 

Arpin has demonstrated a commitment to service at all levels during his time at KU. He previously served as University Senate president and governance leader for the Jayhawks Rising Priority Steering Team and the HLC Accreditation Process.  

Within the School of Business, he has contributed to the business minor review task force, Assurance of Learning initiative and the Business Leadership Program as a consultant. His service to students includes mentoring in the Mentored Scholars Program and advising for the Deloitte Audit Innovation Campus Challenge team, which has twice earned top-three finishes under his leadership.  

Arpin has collaborated across a breadth of programs and partnerships within KU such as athletics, governance and study abroad, often stepping into meeting emerging needs with flexibility and creativity.    

Karen Moeller 

Moeller's dedication to service spans over 24 years at KU. She has served on KU’s Human Subjects Committee for more than 15 years, supporting the review of research protocols and protection of participants. She also chaired the University Senate Academic Procedures and Policies Committee, contributing to the development and revision of key academic policies. 

At the school and department levels, Moeller has played a key role in faculty advancement. She has chaired promotion committees, contributed to clinical and teaching track promotion guidelines, and mentored junior faculty. She also served on the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee for more than 16 years, including time as chair.  

Moeller remains committed to student success and currently serves as faculty adviser for Phi Lambda Sigma, where she mentors student leaders; the chapter has received two National Chapter of the Year awards during her time as adviser.   

About the Faculty Service Award 

The Faculty Service Award was established to recognize the broad scope of faculty service activities, including committee and task force work, campuswide programming, mentorship and professional development for colleagues, policy improvement, program creation and evaluation, faculty governance and student organization support. Funding for the award is provided by the Office of the Provost. Nominations for the 2027 award will open in October.