The President's Award of Distinction was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing the strategic goals of the university during the previous fiscal year.

Purpose

The President's Award of Distinction, formerly the President's Excellence Award, was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to Kent State in advancing the university's strategic priorities and core values. 

Eligibility

Full-time classified and unclassified employees at all campuses who have been employed by the university for a minimum of three years and are in good standing with the university are eligible to be nominated. Faculty are not eligible for this award. Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated.

Criteria

A nominee must demonstrate exceptional performance in living our university's core values and/or advancing one of the priorities of the Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State. Performance can be but is not limited to actions, initiatives, achievements, service, leadership, or projects. A nominator may only submit one nomination per individual. Nominations may come from peers, supervisors, or other divisional leaders, faculty, or students. The final decision resides with the president. Each recipient will receive a $1,500 award.

Nominations extended - March. 20. Winners will be announced in April. For questions, contact Lashonda Taylor or distinction@kent.edu.


2024 President’s Award of Distinction Recipients 

  • Rebekkah Berryhill, Manager
  • Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Senior Chemist
  • Pamela Lafleur, Assistant Director
  • Kelly Thomasson, Administrative Assistant
  • Sonya Williams, Executive Director