In Memoriam

Steven M. Bell, associate professor of Spanish, served as both WLLC department chair and head of the Latin American and Latino Studies Program in his 33 years of service with the University of Arkansas. Bell joined the department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures in August 1992, and remained with the department until his passing in 2025. As a faculty member, Bell was closely involved in grant projects to promote the study of Spanish. In particular, he received funding for several grants from the U.S. Department of Education as well as Title VI and Fulbright Hays programs that focused on curriculum development.

Hope L. Christiansen, associate professor of French, scripted a rich, incredible career in every aspect possible. She joined the WLLC Department on Aug. 20, 1990, after completing her Ph.D. in French at the University of Kansas. Thus, she was with WLLC for 33 years, nine months and 15 days. Christiansen was tenured and promoted to associate professor on Aug. 19, 1996. She taught both undergraduates and graduates — approximately 20 unique courses. As a teacher, she received many awards, including the Golden Tusk Award, the Fulbright Master Teacher Award, Fulbright College Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award and, recently, membership in the Teaching Academy. She directed 20 different honors theses, overseeing her final honors thesis just this spring, and wrote two textbooks relevant to French language teaching. Christiansen was posthumously promoted to Professor after her passing in 2024.