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President’s Excellence Awards

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 $2,500.

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

2023 President’s Excellence Awards

The reception for the 2023 President’s Excellence Awards was held on April 26, 2023 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

Britany Guerrero
Grant Stepp
Dr. Socorro Zaragoza – winner

Excellence in Engagement

Terry Gray – winner
Jesse Hood
Starr Wentzel

Excellence in Hospitality

Leah Banks
Matt Collins
Ryan Fisher – winner

 

Finalists and Winners

Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Matt Schumacher
Jeremy Watson
Jennifer White – winner

Excellence in Leadership

Dan Hendrickson – winner
Dr. Bryan Makinen
Krista Rhodus

Excellence in Philanthropy

Kim Chitwood
Jim Johns
John Strada – winner

Read about the 2023 President’s Excellence Awards

2023 President’s Excellence Awards Photos

2022 President's Excellence Award Winners and Finalists

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

Read about the 2022 President’s Excellence Awards

2022 President’s Excellence Awards Photos