WKU Presents Diversity, Spirit,
Faculty Awards

August 12, 2003

Bowling Green, Ky. - Several special awards were presented Tuesday morning at Western Kentucky University's opening convocation in Van Meter Auditorium.

Diversity awards
Recipients of the third annual President's Award for Diversity were Dr. Harold Little, employee; Abraham Williams, community; and Lakecia Shockley, student.

Little, an assistant professor in the Accounting Department, received the employee award for his work to promote diversity among faculty, staff and students. His activities include helping create the American Accounting Association's Faculty Diversity and Initiatives Section to increase diversity in accounting education and serving as chair of the South-Central Kentucky Minority Economic Development Council.

Williams, executive director of the Housing Authority of Bowling Green, was honored for his efforts to promote diversity in Bowling Green and Warren County. His activities include a Youth Sports Program, a Family Literacy program, Reach Higher, Women in Construction and a learning partnership with Western's Minority Teacher Recruitment program. As a member of the Board of Directors for Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, he encourages the recruitment and retention of minority employees.

Shockley, who received her bachelor's degree in broadcasting in May, received the student award. Shockley was the host of "New Horizons," a television program sponsored by the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission. "New Horizons" provided information on diversity issues, including the International Festival and fair housing.

Spirit of Western Award
Cindy Jones, director of the Freshman Seminar program, received the second Spirit of Western Award, which recognizes an individual who represents enthusiasm for Western, loyalty to the institution and principles of the Western experience and its motto "The Spirit Makes the Master."

Jones returns to the classroom this fall in the Department of Consumer and Family Sciences and is adviser for Phi Upsilon Omicron honor society.

Faculty awards
Provost Barbara Burch formally presented this year's faculty excellence awards to Dr. Dawn Bolton, Bowling Green Community College, award for excellence in teaching; Dr. Jan Colbert, Gordon Ford College of Business, award for excellence in research/creativity; Susan Jones, College of Health and Human Services, award for excellence in public service; and Dr. Gordon Jones, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, award for excellence in student advising.

Dr. Burch also recognized the newest University Distinguished Professors: Dr. Brian Goff, economics; and Dr. Vicki Stayton, special instructional programs.

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-WKU-