The UAMS College of Medicine honored two outstanding graduates during the 2026 UAMS Alumni Reunion — one for pioneering research in pediatric infectious diseases and another for a career dedicated to emergency medicine and public health advocacy.
Ron Robertson, M.D., executive vice chancellor of UAMS and interim dean of the College of Medicine, presented the Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to Toni Darville, Ph.D., ’87 and the Distinguished Alumnus Service Award to Gene Shelby, M.D., ’77 at a June 6 dinner and awards ceremony in Little Rock.
“The college established the Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1973 to recognize graduates who have made exceptional contributions to medicine and health,” Robertson told UAMS alumni and guests. “These have taken many forms, including world-class patient care, groundbreaking research, and transformative leadership.”
Toni Darville, Ph.D., Receives Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award
A North Little native and a 1987 UAMS College of Medicine graduate, Darville completed her residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAMS before launching into a remarkable career as a physician scientist and academic leader.
Over an outstanding career spanning more than three decades, Darville has built an internationally recognized research program focused on preventing chlamydial infections, which are among the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Her pioneering work bridges basic and translational science and has significantly advanced the search for an effective chlamydia vaccine.
Today, Darville serves as chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, vice chair for Pediatric Research, and scientific director of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Children’s Research Institute.
Equally impressive is her deep commitment to education and mentorship. As co-director of the UNC Medical Scientist Training Program, she has guided more than 95 M.D.-Ph.D. students while mentoring countless residents, fellows, and junior faculty throughout her career. At the same time, she has remained dedicated to patient care through her clinical work.
“Toni’s career exemplifies the very best of academic medicine,” said Robertson. “Her research has advanced our understanding of infectious disease, her leadership has strengthened pediatric research programs, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists has multiplied her impact far beyond her own remarkable accomplishments.”
Gene Shelby, M.D., Receives Distinguished Alumnus Service Award
While presenting the Distinguished Alumnus Service Award to Gene Shelby, M.D., Robertson noted the slightly different focus of the honor. “This award recognizes a graduate who not only has had a successful career in medicine, but who is also making a substantial impact on our College and what we’re striving for in Arkansas,” he said.
A Little Rock native, Shelby attended Princeton University before returning to Arkansas to earn his medical degree at UAMS. Drawn early to a life of service, he joined the Peace Corps as a medical officer and later returned home to train in emergency medicine. Since then, Shelby has cared for the most vulnerable patients in his community and championed the most pressing public health issues across the state.
As a state representative, he played a leading role in developing a coordinated statewide trauma system that continues to save lives every day. Today, UAMS is home to the state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center – something that would not have been possible without Shelby’s support.
He has also been a tireless advocate for addressing opioid addiction. His work on the AMA Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse has helped advance safer prescribing practices and expanded access to treatment. Shelby also runs his own clinic to help patients recover, along with a charity HIV clinic.
“Gene has devoted his career to improving the health of Arkansans while never losing sight of the importance of supporting future physicians,” Robertson said. “Through his leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, he has helped strengthen both our state and our medical school.”