THE WILLIAM B. STURGILL AWARD

The William B. Sturgill Award is presented annually to a graduate faculty member for outstanding contributions to graduate education at UK.   The recipient of the award, to be announced at Commencement, will receive $2,000, a certificate suitable for framing, and will have her or his name added to a commemorative plaque which will be displayed in the central office of the University's Graduate School.

History:

William B. Sturgill was born in Lackey, Kentucky in 1924.  A 1946 graduate of the University of Kentucky, Sturgill became prominent in the coal industry as an executive and owner of several coal operations.  Sturgill has also served in a variety of other businesses including East Kentucky Investment Company; Fourth Street and Gentry Tobacco Warehouses, and Hartland Development Project. In the 1980’s, he served Gov. John Y. Brown, Jr. as both Secretary of Energy and Secretary of Agriculture at a salary of one dollar a year.  He is involved in numerous civic organizations, boards, and commissions.

His contributions to higher education include organizing and serving as president of the Hazard Independent College Foundation, as well as working closely with legislators to develop the commonwealth’s community college system.  At the University of Kentucky, Sturgill has served 18 years on the Board of Trustees, 10 years of which he served as chairperson.  A renowned benefactor of the University of Kentucky, the Sturgill Development Building is named in his honor. 

Nominations for this award should be made by faculty and/or graduate students to the Dean of the Graduate School by January 23, 2008 .  The nomination file should include the following information:

• a current curriculum vitae
• specific evidence of major contributions to graduate study (e.g., influences on graduate education and personal scholarly activities with respect to graduate education within the University)
• comments on professional reputation
• names of doctorates directed and status of graduates
• names of students whose dissertations and theses are still in progress and
• letters of support (from graduate students, faculty, and/or alumni).

Please submit five copies of each nomination file by January 23, 2008 to:

Dr. Pat Whitlow, Assistant Dean
The Graduate School
203 Gillis Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY   40506-0033

DEADLINE: January 23, 2008