2022 President’s Excellence Awards
The reception for the inaugural President’s Excellence Awards was held on April 27, 2022 at the EKU Center for the Arts. In addition to the recognition of winners and finalists, EKU milestone employees who have served 25 or more years were recognized.
Finalists and Winners
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Ogechi Anyanwu
Dr. Theresa Botts – winner
Nikki Hart
Excellence in Engagement
Tiffany Hamblin – winner
Karen Peavler
Donald Swinegar
Excellence in Hospitality
Dr. Rachael Hovermale
Jennifer McKnight
Mary Miller – winner
Excellence in Innovation
Chad Adkins – winner
Jana Mayer
Michael Wooten
Excellence in Leadership
Jeff Carrico
Carrie Ernst – winner
Emily Watters
Excellence in Philanthropy
Jackie Couture
Emily Jo Davis – winner
Dr. Jonathan Gore
Awards
Excellence in Leadership
Definition: This award celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant impact on advancing the mission of the University.
Criteria: Evidence of exemplary leadership practices can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, portfolio, videos, publications, etc. Evaluation will be based on the significance of the individual’s leadership contributions.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and have displayed prominent leadership qualities that support the vision, mission, and values of the University. A nominated individual is not required to hold a supervisory position, but will be able to demonstrate effective leadership practices.
Excellence in Engagement
Definition: The Excellence in Engagement Award recognizes an EKU employee who serves internal/external partners in an exemplary manner.
Criteria: Evidence of exemplary dedication and engagement practices can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, portfolio, videos, publications, etc. Evaluation will be based on the significance of the individual’s contributions.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and have displayed a high-level of engagement with students or other areas of the campus community outside the normal functions of their job.
Excellence in Hospitality
Definition: The Excellence in Hospitality Award recognizes an employee who has demonstrated outstanding hospitality to fellow employees, students and/or external partners and guests. There are vast differences between the concepts of “customer service” and “hospitality.” The distinction between the two is essentially the difference between mere adequacy and excellence.
Criteria: Evidence of excellent hospitality can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, portfolio, etc. Evaluation will be based on the strength of the individual’s performance.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and have displayed a high-level of hospitality with students or other areas of the campus community outside the normal functions of their job.
Excellence in Philanthropy
Definition: This award celebrates an employee who demonstrates exceptional generosity and responsibility through volunteerism at EKU or through an external organization.
Criteria: Evidence of philanthropic excellence can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, samples of work, etc. Evaluation will be based on the strength of the individual’s performance.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and have displayed a high-level of generosity and responsibility through volunteerism at EKU or through an external organization.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Definition: This award celebrates an employee who demonstrates exceptional work in diversity and inclusion within the University and/or in the community.
Criteria: Evidence of exceptional work in diversity and inclusion can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, samples of work, etc. Evaluation will be based on the strength of the individual’s performance.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and perform exceptional work in diversity and inclusion.
Excellence in Innovation
Definition: This award celebrates an employee who demonstrates innovation in their role at the University.
Criteria: Evidence of exceptional work in innovation can be presented by the nominated employee or other members of the campus community. Evidence may include letters of recommendation, samples of work, etc. Evaluation will be based on the strength of the individual’s performance.
Eligibility: Nominated employees must meet the criteria and provide innovative work with students or other areas of the campus community outside the normal functions of their job.
