Steven M. Bell

Dr. Steven M. Bell , 68, passed away on April 12, 2025, in Emporia, Kansas. Born on November 3, 1956, in Lawrence, Kansas, Steve lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to his loved ones.

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.