Home » KDE names winner of 2016 Kevin M. Noland Award

KDE names winner of 2016 Kevin M. Noland Award

For significant service to Kentucky’s public schools

Laura Arnold
Laura Arnold

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2016) — Laura Arnold, has been presented with the 2016 Kevin M. Noland Award, given to a Kentucky Department of Education employee for significant service to Kentucky’s public schools and for providing inspiration for education. Arnold is the associate commissioner for the Office of Career and Technical Education. Nominations are made by KDE staff.

“Laura has worked tirelessly to advance student learning and achievement among career and technical education students in Kentucky,” said Commissioner of Education Stephen Pruitt. “She genuinely wants what is best for the children of Kentucky and has worked tirelessly to ensure greater opportunities for children from all backgrounds and all areas of the state.”

Arnold oversees the 42 staff members in the Office of Career and Technical Education as well as 650 staff members at 53 state-operated Area Technology Centers (ATCs).

Co-worker Matt Chaliff said in his nomination letter: “Laura has been particularly active working with business and industry partners within the state. These relationships have helped better connect the work of career and technical education teachers and the Office of Career and Technical Education with the needs of employers in Kentucky. Our students are leaving better prepared for the world of work because of her work to make these connections.”

Arnold is a graduate of Owen County High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education, and master’s degrees in Vocational Education and Educational Leadership (Rank I) from the University of Kentucky. She served as a 4 H youth development agent, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and principal of the Marion Co. ATC before joining KDE in 2011, where she has been an education academic program manager, policy advisor and division director.

The Kevin M. Noland Award was awrded to honor former Interim Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Associate Commissioner and General Counsel Kevin M. Noland, who served the department for approximately 18 years.

A selection committee, made up of a cross-section of KDE employees, met, reviewed and rated this year’s nominations based on the following criteria:

  • An individual who focuses on the mission for student proficiency
  • An individual who is an excellent ambassador for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Education and Kentucky’s schools
  • An individual who is knowledgeable and productive
  • An individual who has made an impact in one of the following areas: school districts, community partners, parents and/or co-workers through leadership, customer service, teamwork and community service