2013 Recipients

Robert (Bob) Hall                 

Sr. Manager, Training and Development

Human Resources

Nominated for:  Collaboration, Effectiveness and Efficiency, Excellence in Customer Service and Serving as an Ambassador for the University

Bob Hall’s nominator described him as being deserving of the President's Excellence Award due to his collaborative and innovative work in designing and implementing the Institute for Excellence. “Bob collaborates with leaders from all corners of Kent State, as well as national experts to create a program that challenges its participants to strive for and create a culture of excellence. From cabinet members to professors to authors to medical doctors, speakers — whom Bob brings together — support and inspire the leadership development of the institute’s members with their insights.” Another nominator described Hall as a model of excellence in action in his ability to actively promote collaboration. Hall is described as having a positive outlook that is energizing and infectious; he is instrumental in changing the university’s culture and shaping its employees for increased leadership roles.

Kimberly Kennedy                  

Special Assistant

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Nominated for: Excellence in Customer Service and Student Success

Kim Kennedy, a member of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was nominated for her commitment to students and her tireless efforts and interactions through the Student Multicultural Center and other student organizations on campus. Kennedy is co-advisor for the Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA) and the Native American Student Association (NASA). One nominator shared how Kennedy reaches out to all students and provides encouragement, advice and comfort when needed. A consensus among Kennedy’s nominators is that she supports students by trying to attend most student-sponsored events, not just those that she is involved with as an advisor. One nominator indicated, “I’ve never met anyone so passionate about student success and who gives 150 percent every day to help them. I think Kim is one of those ‘unsung heroes’ who should be recognized for her efforts.”

Katheryn (Kate) McAnulty, Ph.D.                 

Director, Graduate Student Services

Graduate Studies

Academic Affairs

Nominated for: Collaboration, Diversity and Inclusion, Effectiveness and Efficiency, Serving as an Ambassador for the University and Student Success

Katheryn McAnulty received 24 nominations. It was noted by all nominees that she has demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing student success through her tireless devotion to improving the graduate student experience and providing a clear respect for the value of student voices.

One nominator, regarding McAnulty's role as advisor to Graduate Student Senate, wrote the following, “Dr. McAnulty has consistently demonstrated her concern for the success of the organization.” Nominees also acknowledged McAnulty’s contributions as director of Graduate Student Orientation (GSO), where she has cultivated a climate of student success through respect for and encouragement of graduate student input and creativity. “Dr. McAnulty has remained committed to fostering students’ growth, development and support and has made a noticeable difference across campus.” McAnulty has made the campus a welcoming place and safe space that is academically stimulating for both domestic and international graduate students alike

Caroline Tannert

Administrative Secretary

Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Nominated for:  Effectiveness & Efficiency and Student Success

Student and staff nominators describe Caroline Tannert as the hub through which both undergraduate and graduate students encounter and embrace anthropology at Kent State. “From early communication with the department to shepherding students through deadlines and requirements, Ms. Tannert is a key component of student success in our department. Students (and others) look forward to interacting with her, and I know why: Caroline Tannert combines nearly perfect competence with perfect kindness.” Another nominator cites the following about Tannert, “Her genuine warmth and concern, consistently applied in the everyday operation of the department as she serves students, is what helps to promote student success within the department.”

Although Tannert was honored for her effectiveness and efficiency, it is evident by her nominators’ accolades that she brings many attributes to those she comes into contact with every day. In their words, “It is Caroline’s nature to go above and beyond every day.”