Eastern Kentucky University will be excellent in all that we choose to do. We are blessed with faculty and staff who do exceptional work. The President’s Excellence Awards will recognize employees who go above and beyond in their work to make EKU excellent. A winner and two finalists will be selected for each award. The winner will receive an award and $3,000. Finalists will receive $1,000. All non-probationary, non-temporary, full-time, and part-time faculty and staff employees of EKU are eligible. Any applicant must be in good standing at the time of nomination. Previous President’s Excellence Award winners may be considered if a minimum of five years has passed since receiving the original award.
Nominations are reviewed by the President’s Excellence Awards Committee, consisting of members of the President’s Cabinet who are not eligible for the awards.
Awards Criteria
Definition: This award celebrates exemplary leadership that has significantly advanced the mission of the University through collegial collaboration and capable management. The recipient displays the ability to inspire others, drive positive change, and make significant strides in their respective unit and/or field.
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.
Definition: The Excellence in Engagement and Hospitality Award is bestowed upon an outstanding EKU employee who consistently goes above and beyond in serving both internal and external partners with exemplary dedication. This individual not only excels in fostering strong connections and collaborations but also demonstrates a remarkable commitment to providing exceptional hospitality to fellow employees, students, and external partners and guests. The recipient of this award epitomizes the highest standards of service, turning routine interactions into memorable and positive experiences. The individual creates an engaging and welcoming environment for everyone.
Criteria: Evidence of exemplary engagement practices and hospitality 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 and hospitality with internal or external partners of the campus community within and/or outside the normal functions of their job.
Definition: This award celebrates an employee who has positively impacted the campus community and built upon the existing culture of belonging within the University and/or in the local area. The award recognizes someone who demonstrates exceptional generosity and responsibility through volunteerism and/or contributions at EKU or through an external organization.
Criteria: Evidence of exceptional work in community building and belonging 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 community building and belonging.
Definition: This award celebrates an employee who demonstrates innovative thinking and bold action in their work that elevates and differentiates EKU. The award recognizes innovation that enhances organizational stewardship, intellectual and creative capacity, and/or economic vitality within EKU and the communities we serve.
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.
Definition: The Emerging Leader Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential, initiative, and leadership qualities early in their career or tenure. This accolade is designed to honor individuals who are in the early stages of their professional journey but have already exhibited outstanding qualities such as innovation, vision, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. The recipient should be a promising contributor to EKU and display the ability to inspire others, drive positive change, and make significant strides in their respective unit/field.
Criteria: Evidence of exemplary emerging leadership abilities and 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 as an emerging leader.
Eligibility: Eligible staff nominees must have five years or less work experience at Eastern Kentucky University and less than 10 years in the workforce. Eligible faculty nominees must be no more than five years past tenure or promotion to senior lecturer/clinical faculty and may also be eligible earlier. Nominees 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 abilities as an emerging leader.
Past Winners & Finalists
Excellence in Community and Belonging
Allison McCann – winner
Laurel Addison
Karen Edwards
Excellence in Engagement and Hospitality
Carrie Foster – winner
Heather Brent
Dr. Kelly Cogar
Excellence in Innovation
Dr. Matt Schumacher – winner
David Fifer
Tiffany Hampton
Emerging Leader Award
Jasmine Nettles – winner
Lauren Keeler
Nicholas Moore
Excellence in Leadership
Dr. Bryan Makinen – winner
Dr. Brooke Hillard
Jeremy Steele
Johnna Thomas
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Socorro Zaragoza – winner
Britany Guerrero
Grant Stepp
Excellence in Engagement
Terry Gray – winner
Jesse Hood
Starr Wentzel
Excellence in Hospitality
Ryan Fisher – winner
Leah Banks
Matt Collins
Excellence in Innovation
Jennifer White – winner
Dr. Matt Schumacher
Jeremy Watson
Excellence in Leadership
Dan Hendrickson – winner
Dr. Bryan Makinen
Krista Rhodus
Excellence in Philanthropy
John Strada – winner
Kim Chitwood
Jim Johns
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Theresa Botts – winner
Dr. Ogechi Anyanwu
Nikki Hart
Excellence in Engagement
Tiffany Hamblin – winner
Karen Peavler
Donald Swinegar
Excellence in Hospitality
Mary Miller – winner
Dr. Rachael Hovermale
Jennifer McKnight
Excellence in Innovation
Chad Adkins – winner
Jana Mayer
Michael Wooten
Excellence in Leadership
Carrie Ernst – winner
Jeff Carrico
Emily Watters
Excellence in Philanthropy
Emily Jo Davis – winner
Jackie Couture
Dr. Jonathan Gore