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Educators honored at Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship

Awards to two faculty, one alumnus

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2105) — Two Kentucky higher education faculty members and one alumnus of a state college were honored today at the 2015 Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship.

postsecondaryRichard Anderson, of Atlanta, who holds three degrees from Murray State University and is the manager of Fulton County, Georgia, received the OAK Award for outstanding alumnus. Loretta Elder, nursing faculty member at Madisonville Community College, and Dr. Christia Brown, professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky, received Acorn awards for outstanding faculty.

“These honorees are representative of the very best of our faculty and alumni. It’s a delight to see these recipients recognized for their ongoing commitment and contributions that inspire us all,” said Council on Postsecondary Education president Bob King.

Richard Anderson

A native of Mayfield, he oversees a $1 billion budget and 5,200 employees in Fulton County. The Business Chronicle named Anderson as one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans. Before his work for local government, Anderson held senior management positions for AT&T and BellSouth. He retains ties to Murray State by serving as a trustee on the Murray State University Foundation and serving on the telecommunications systems management advisory board, in addition to other key projects. Murray State University President Robert Davies nominated Anderson.

Loretta Elder

Elder is a faculty member in Madisonville Community College’s Integrated Nursing program. She holds the following certifications: MSN, RN, CAPA and CNE. With experience as a staff nurse, nurse manager and nursing education coordinator, she has been in her current position at the college nine years. She is co-chair of the Baptist Health Medical Center Nursing Education Council, president of the Hopkins County Community Clinic’s executive board, district president of the Kentucky Nurses Association and member of several national organizations. Madisonville Community College President Judith Rhoads nominated Elder.

Christia Brown

A professor in the University of Kentucky’s psychology department for eight years, Dr. Brown is a recent recipient of the university’s “Award for Contribution to Undergraduate Education.” She has received accolades for her mentoring activities with both undergraduate and graduate students and with the university’s “Award for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion” for her work in establishing a new degree for non-traditional students. Brown is also an accomplished author, with contributions to two books: Your Graduate Training in Psychology: Suggestions for Success and Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work. University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto nominated Brown.