Steven M. Bell
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For over three decades, Dr. Bell served as an Associate Professor and Department Chair at the University of Arkansas. His distinguished academic career was defined by a passion for teaching and the study of modern Latin American and Latino literature. For many years, he served as the supervisor for the U of A summer study abroad program in Puebla, Mexico. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, Dr. Bell helped shape scholarly conversations across borders and disciplines.
Outside academia, Steve was known for his adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity. He found joy in cycling, traveling with his wife Lynne, building the perfect fire in his wood-burning stove, cooking for his family, and keeping the local Amazon delivery drivers fully employed. A lifelong Kansas Jayhawks fan, Steve’s dry sense of humor was cherished by all who knew him. He had a unique way of making others feel cared for—never truly content unless those around him were well looked after.
Steve is survived by his wife, Lynne; two sons, Chris (Cassie) and Joe (Mariah); his mother, Mona; sister, Nancy Kincaid (Steve); stepdaughters, Nikolette Cochran (Adam) and Stephani Williams (Alex); grandson, Phoenix; and two furry friends, Isa and Eddie. He was preceded in death by his father, Fletcher.
A service to honor Dr. Bell’s life will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mount Sequoyah (Millar Lodge), located at 150 N Skyline Drive in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Arkansas Study Abroad Program: World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Departmental Scholarship, in memory of Dr. Steven M. Bell.
The University of Arkansas Spanish program is feeling the loss of Steve deeply. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone, but we’re starting to understand just how much he meant to all of us. Steve had a special love for all things Hispanic, especially Mexico, its people, and culture. His hard work in building connections between our university and Puebla will always be a part of his legacy. I had the pleasure of being “neighbors” with Steve on the sixth floor of Kimpel Hall for some twenty-five years, and I always enjoyed seeing him ride by on his bike on N. Willow. We’ll miss you, Steve, and you’ll always have a place in our hearts.
In memory of a great teacher and friend.
I worked for Dr. Bell for a year at the University of Arkansas. His intellectual curiosity inspired me. He was one of the kindest people I ever met. I can still hear him quoting a poem “verde que te quiero verde” in a way that nobody else could ever do. Much peace to you dear profe.
Sincerely,
Mason Hacker
When I first arrived at the University of Arkansas in 2004, Steve welcomed me with open arms into the community of Latin American studies faculty. He was a cherished colleague. Love to his family.
I was managing a restaurant on Dickson Street when Steve was dining in and talked to me about my experience living abroad in Spain and the future I could have with the Spanish language. He invited me to audit his class on my break during the week to brush up on my grammar skills and then helped me apply for the masters program. In the next 2 years I graduated the program and he hired me as an instructor. I will never forget his kindness and how he took an interest in helping me find my passion. He truly changed the trajectory of my life. You will be missed by so many for the positive impact you made in all of our lives. Thank you for taking a chance on me Dr. Bell.
Dr Bell it is heartbreaking 💔 to hear about your departure. Hence I will never forget the impact you’ve had in my academic and professional life. I will always remember our study abroad experience in Mexico. Michael gracias por todo
I am so sorry about the loss of this wonderful teacher. I had class with Doctor Bell in 2012. I learned so much about Spanish literature and I also had fun with his classes. I Will never forget you Dr Bell.
From Colombia and the deepest of my heart. Yimmy
Dr. Bell was a great professor and truly enjoyed his passion for Spanish Literature. I was one of his students in 1993-1995. Dr. Bell you will be missed and to the family I’m sorry for your loss of a great person and teacher.
Dr. Bell made me feel welcome when I joined the Master’s program in 1999. He opened his house to the Spanish graduate students for home-cooked meals a la Mexicana.
His conversations on the Boom and the Post-Boom still resonate with me.
He will be truly missed. Descansa en Paz, Profesor Bell. 💫🙏🏽💫
I am so saddened to hear of this great loss! I worked very closely with Dr. Bell when he would bring so many international students and scholars to campus. He was an amazing person that I thoroughly enjoyed working with…My deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family. I know you are heartbroken as is everyone who had the privilege to know him…
I was shocked and saddened by the death of Steve Bell. It is a sensitive loss. He hired me and my wife Martha in the summer of 2015 and was always attentive and responsive, especially in difficult times. He welcomed us into his home, with his books and his cats. He was a great reader and a teacher of great intellectual curiosity. May he rest in peace.
May his memory be a blessing
My heart is broken. Steve was such a wonderful person–a great colleague and friend. He was kind, caring, and funny. He was a role model for so many of us and an anchor of the department of World Languages. He will be missed by so many people.
I’m so sad to hear of this loss. Steve was among the first to help me feel welcome as a new assistant professor in 1998. His sense of humor and warm spirit meant so much to all! I so enjoyed seeing him and Lynne running and cycling over over our lovely community. Much love to all. I’m so, so sorry.
Heartbroken to hear this news. My condolences to Lynne and the boys and his larger family.
I’ll never forget Steve’s kindness, his wit, sense of humor, and wonderful delayed laugh. Once on a study abroad trip to Costa Rica, the group took a horse back ride through the rainforest. Steve told the guide he was an experienced rider, and unlike the rest of us, was put on a beautiful, and spirited black horse. It wasn’t 5 minutes into the ride when Steve zoomed by all of us! We figured Steve was doing the whole adventure thing and being dramatic, until the guide took off after him. He, the horse, and the guide made it back safely, and the legend of “Zorro” was born.
The world was a better, happier place with Steve in it.
I was very sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. He was one of the best department chairs I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His constant smile and warm presence made the Language Department such a welcoming place.
I especially enjoyed the potlucks you both hosted at the start of fall semester—those remain some of my fondest memories. As a fellow basketball fan from KU, I always looked forward to our chats. His kindness and energy left a lasting impression on me during my early years at the University of Arkansas.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. He will be deeply missed.
We miss Steve’s kindness, friendship, and love, and will cherish the memories we collected over so many years.
Playing basketball with Steven many years ago, appreciate the plays and the camaraderie after the plays with Steven.
While chair of WLLC, Steve supported my conversion from VAP to tenure track, for which I will ever be extremely grateful. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the UA community.
I am so saddened to lose a kind colleague and core member of our Latin American Studies program at the university. He was the first faculty member at the U of A I reached out to after accepting a position in the Psychology department because of his leadership role and scholarly interests. My deepest condolences to his family and close colleagues.
Dr. Bell was one of the most knowledgeable professors I had the privilege of learning from. His passion for all that he taught, thoughtful feedback, and depth of knowledge left a lasting impact on his students. As a two-time Fulbright recipient, he kindly shared his insight and experience, offering encouragement during my own Fulbright application process.
I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. Dr. Bell was always friendly, welcoming, and open-minded about ideas and projects. I met him when I was a student in the MFA Program in the early 90’s and later and over many years an ESL instructor/administrator at Spring International Language Center. I just can’t find the words. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Bell family.
Steve and I grew up in same neighborhood in Lawrence and were good friends. He was always a kind soul with a good sense of humor. He was passionate about Spanish even as a youngster growing up….i am so very sorry to see he will no longer be with us on earth but his memory will always be with us…