After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Jim Turpin joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas for a second time, having been a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Instructor in the department while finishing school. Turpin was promoted to Professor in 1975 and University Professor in 1995. He was Co-Director of the U of A’s Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center from 2002-2004. Over the years, Turpin has received numerous teaching awards from his students. In addition, he was recognized with the UA Alumni Association Outstanding Teaching Award in 1982, the AIChE National Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award winner in 1988, the Catalyst Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Chemical Manufacturer’s Association in 1991, and the Carnegie Foundation Arkansas Professor of the Year in 1996, and the College of Engineering Outstanding Service to Students Award in 2003.

He was also a founding member of the UA Teaching Academy and a co-director of the Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center. In collaboration with Buddy and Grace Babcock, Jim and Joyce Turpin have generously established the Turpin and Babcock Endowment for Chemical Engineering.

Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers inaugural induction, 2005.

Dr. Turpin passed away on August 15, 2019. He will be missed.