WKU News

Morgan Moran, Student Employment Coordinator with WKU Libraries, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Kelly Autism Program Alliance Award, which recognizes individuals for excellence in collaboration, advocacy, and service. 

The Alliance Award celebrates campus and community partners who advance a shared mission of creating an inclusive environment where individuals are valued for their unique strengths and abilities. According to Caroline Alexander Hudson, Director of Speech Language Pathology and Curriculum Development at the Clinical Education Complex, the award specifically recognizes those at WKU who support student success, encourage collaboration, and strengthen connections across campus.

“This occasion serves as both a celebration and a thank-you,” Hudson said. “It allows us to publicly acknowledge contributions that truly make a difference.”

Moran’s recognition stems from her work in creating inclusive and supportive student employment experiences within WKU Libraries. In her role, she oversees hiring processes, timekeeping, and budget management, while supporting student employment operations with a strong focus on helping students build transferable skills.

Last summer, Moran partnered with the Kelly Autism Program to oversee two student interns who worked as Circulation Student Assistants. The interns completed the same hiring process as other student employees and were supported through structured training, clear expectations, and ongoing mentorship.

“Our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where all students feel valued and encouraged,” Moran said. “By maintaining open communication and providing consistent support, we help students grow in confidence and independence.”

From a leadership perspective, Moran’s approach stood out not because it was different, but because of its consistency. WKU Libraries’ Director of Access Services, Dr. Amanda Hardin, emphasized that Moran applied the same mentoring philosophy she uses with all student employees.

“She is supportive, inclusive, empathetic, and extremely positive,” Dr. Hardin said. “Morgan brings all those qualities to her role as a supervisor and utilizes these with the KAP interns.”

Dr. Hardin added that Moran’s strength as a mentor lies in her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care for her students. She described Moran as patient, approachable, and organized, noting that her clear communication and constructive feedback help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and form meaningful connections.

“The bottom line is that she cares about her students,” Dr. Hardin said. “She supports them as individuals while treating them with equity.”

The partnership between WKU Libraries and the Kelly Autism Program highlights the importance of campus collaboration in supporting student success. Hudson emphasized that such partnerships are essential to creating opportunities for students on the autism spectrum.

“At Western Kentucky University, student success is not the result of a single office or program,” Hudson said. “It comes from collaboration across campus. Our partners open doors, provide mentorship, and help remove barriers so students can fully participate in both academic and social life.”

Dr. Hardin echoed this sentiment, noting that partnerships like this internship program foster community engagement, support diverse populations, and help connect students with valuable campus resources. She also highlighted how these collaborations contribute to innovation and strengthen the libraries’ role in serving the broader university community.

The Alliance Award also reflects WKU Libraries’ ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Through collaborations like this, the libraries continue to expand efforts to support neurodiverse users by enhancing services, promoting inclusive programming, and developing more accessible environments.

“This award reflects our commitment to collaboration and accessibility through shared expertise,” Dr. Hardin said. “It illustrates how we are striving to expand true accessibility and foster a more accepting campus environment.”

Moran’s work with the Kelly Autism Program has also influenced her approach to workplace design and student support. She has become more intentional about creating environments that consider sensory needs, including lighting, noise levels, and organization, ensuring that all student employees feel comfortable and supported.

Beyond daily responsibilities, the collaboration has fostered meaningful community-building experiences. During the summer term, library staff and student workers celebrate milestones with events such as pizza and game gatherings, creating opportunities for connection and recognition.

Hudson noted that Moran exemplifies the spirit of the Alliance Award through her compassion, understanding, and commitment to expanding employment opportunities for students in the Kelly Autism Program’s Circle of Support.

The award ceremony took place April 15 at the Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center, where campus and community members gathered to honor this year’s recipients.

Going forward, WKU Libraries plans to continue its partnership with the Kelly Autism Program. The selection process for the next group of summer interns is underway, and the libraries are also exploring additional partnerships across campus to further enhance accessibility and student support.

Students interested in working with WKU Libraries can apply through Handshake, where all open student positions are posted.