BATESVILLE, Arkansas – How can food serve as a powerful tool of cultural identity preservation?
Dr. Mónica Rodríguez, the 2024 recipient of the Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence at Lyon College, tackled this question in her recent lecture, “Resisting Assimilation and Preserving Identity through Food in Latinx Communities,” at Lyon College.
Dr. Rodríguez’s presentation explored the cultural significance of food as a means of maintaining identity and resisting societal pressures to assimilate. Her research focused on U.S. Latino literature, depictions of Latinx individuals in film, and the role of food as a vital link to cultural preservation.
Dr. Rodríguez received the Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence from Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College, and Dr. Kurt Grafton, provost. The prize is awarded annually to a Lyon College faculty member who exemplifies outstanding teaching, scholarly achievement, and service to the college and community.
Born in Lima, Peru, Dr. Rodríguez joined the Lyon College faculty in 2001. She serves as adviser to Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honor society, and the Spanish Club. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized when she was named Alpha Chi Professor of the Year for 2012-2013.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Rodríguez has been an active member of the Batesville community. She has served on the Humane Society of Independence County Board of Directors and has volunteered with the organization for more than a decade. Additionally, she has provided translation services at parent-teacher conferences alongside her students and was a former volunteer fitness instructor at the Batesville Community Center.
The 2025 Lamar Williamson Prize recipient will be named at the spring 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17.
About Lyon College
Lyon College, a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872, is the oldest college in the state with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2024 “Best College,” Lyon currently enrolls approximately 660 students from more than 30 states and 18 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 25 majors, as well as pre-professional, individualized options and select graduate programs. Learn more at lyon.edu.
Photo:
Dr. Melissa Taverner (left), president, and Dr. Kurt Grafton, provost, present Dr. Mónica Rodríguez with the Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence.
