Alumni Awards
The College of Education and Health Professions 2024 Alumni Award winners (front row, from left) Karan B. Burnette, Michael M. Kocet, Keith A. Jones, Elise Swanson, Michael Tapee and Heather D. Hunter; and (back row, from left) Naccaman Williams, Judd Semingson, Reed Greenwood, Curtis L. Ivery, Jordan Glenn and Jennifer Ash.
The College of Education and Health Professions presents awards to outstanding alumni each year. The awards honor alumni of the college for exceptional professional achievements and extraordinary distinction in their fields.
The nomination period was Aug. 31 to Oct. 16, 2023. Winners were announced in March 2024. Please check back for information about nominations for the 2025 awards.
Nominators are asked to provide a statement that illustrates why the nominee is deserving of the award and upload any of the following supporting materials: a CV or resumé, up to two letters of recommendation, articles or stories that speak to the nominee’s accomplishments, or any other materials that can help the committee in the selection process. At least one supporting documentation is required.
Distinguished Career in Education Award
Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and extraordinary distinction in the field of education. Prior to 2024, the honor had a slightly different definition and was titled Outstanding Alumni Award in Education.
Distinguished Career in Health Award
Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and extraordinary distinction in the field of health. Prior to 2024, the honor had a slightly different definition and was titled Outstanding Alumni Award in Health and Human Services.
Distinguished Public Service Award
Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has fostered a caring culture and improved people’s lives through civic engagement, community service and volunteer efforts. The award is new for 2024.
Emerging Leader in Education Award
Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated early career distinction and shows promise for future professional success in education. Prior to 2024, the honor combined achievements in education or health and human services and was titled Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Emerging Leader in Health Award
Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated early career distinction and shows promise for future professional success in health. Prior to 2024, the honor combined achievements in education or health and human services and was titled Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Award selection is made by the Alumni Awards Committee and the dean. Nominations are kept in a pool for two years. Award recipients will be recognized at an event in March 2024. Alumni award winners from the college’s six departments will also be honored at the event.
Read about the Recipients
- 2024 winners — Jennifer Ash, Karan B. Burnette, Jordan Glenn, Reed Greenwood, Heather D. Hunter, Curtis L. Ivery, Keith A. Jones, Michael M. Kocet, Judd Semingson, Elise Swanson, Michael Tapee and Naccaman Williams
- 2023 winners — Fred A. Bonner II, John Buckwalter, Debbie Faubus-Kendrick and Yuri Hosokawa
- 2022 winners — Angela Chang Chiu, Sara Hensley and Lynn Meade
- 2021 — No awards presented
- 2020 winners — Erica Boughfman, Jim Rollins and Andrew Young
- 2019 winners — G. David Gearhart, Mark O'Neal and Meredith Brunen
- 2018 winners — Gi-Yong (Win) Koo, Patti Freemyer Martin and Martha Sandven
- 2017 winners — Robin Bowen, Anna Egalite and Yvonne Johnson
- 2016 winners — Emily Bertrand, Warren Rosenaur and Donald Simpson
- 2015 winners — Marsha Jones, Charolette Tidwell and Jenna White
- 2014 winners — Karen Jennings Crawford, Anna Reed and Jerry Robbins
- 2013 winners — Gretchen Oliver, Jessica Sliger and Betty Winfield
- 2012 winners — Kieran Fogarty, Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe and Joshua Barnett
- 2011 winners — Leslie Carnine and Phillip Rumrill