Drs. Jyotsana Sharma and Todd Arnold have earned OSU-Tulsa’s top faculty honors this year — the OSU-Tulsa President’s Outstanding Research and Teaching Awards. The awards were presented at OSU-Tulsa’s Commencement Ceremony on May 11.

OSU-Tulsa President’s Outstanding Research Award

Sharma is an associate professor of community health sciences, counseling and counseling psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences and recipient of the President’s Outstanding Research Award.

She is a respected and highly recognized researcher in the field of counseling whose work explores post-trauma growth and recovery. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on such topics as generational trauma, experiences of counselors-in-training and survivors of intimate partner violence.

Her work has earned national awards including the American Counseling Association Research Award (2021), the Association for Adult Development and Aging Outstanding Adultspan Journal Article Award (2021) and the Emerging Leader Award from the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (2020). Her peers describe her approach to research as practical, producing studies that allow for direct clinical and educational application.

“Dr. Sharma’s program of research is distinguished by its coherence, rigor and social relevance,” wrote one of her peers in a nomination letter. “Grounded in humanistic and social justice frameworks, her research advances both theory and practice in counseling.”

Sharma is recognized as a role model to many at OSU-Tulsa, in part due to her commitment to collaboration and mentorship. She consistently includes students as co-authors and research collaborators, investing in the development of future scholars.

OSU-Tulsa President’s Outstanding Teaching Award

Arnold is the Gary L. Trennepohl Chair, professor of marketing in the Spears School of Business and recipient of the President’s Outstanding Teaching Award.

Arnold is known for a teaching approach that balances rigor with support, challenging students to think critically while also making himself available as a resource for their development. His courses emphasize practical application, encouraging students to connect theory with practice and to develop skills that are directly transferable to their careers.

“What truly distinguishes Dr. Arnold is his commitment to his students’ individual professional growth,” one student wrote in a nomination letter. “For example, Dr. Arnold recently shared an article with me regarding substance use disorders and overdoses. He did this entirely on his own accord, having recalled that this is the specific field in which I serve as a healthcare executive. This gesture not only highlights his impressive command of current research but, more importantly, demonstrates a genuine desire to connect classroom concepts to the real-world challenges his students face.”

Arnold is also an accomplished researcher, whose research interests lie broadly within the areas of the organizational frontlines including service, retailing and sales. His students describe him as someone who brings this expertise into the classroom in ways that are accessible, relevant and impactful.

As a mentor, students regularly note his willingness to help them navigate both academic and professional challenges, as well as his authentic investment in their success.

Arnold and Sharma received award medallions for their respective awards, presented by Johnny Stephens, interim president of OSU-Tulsa and president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences. They will each serve as faculty marshals at the 2027 OSU-Tulsa Commencement Ceremony.