By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Angela Phipps, Student Affairs Officer and Academic Advisor in the Center of Excellence in Rural Health, has been named the recipient of a 2023 Outstanding Staff Award.

Over the weekend, winners were announced in the 2023 Outstanding Staff Awards, and Phipps — who was nominated by students — won that category.

“I am so excited and honored to have been the recipient of the University of Kentucky 2023 Outstanding Staff Award,” she said. “Love my Wildcats at UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health.”

Over 500 University of Kentucky staff members were nominated by their departments, colleges, and/or units for the 2023 awards ceremony. Of those nominated, 14 were selected as finalists for the category awards. Unfortunately, due to being on medical leave this week, Phipps was unable to attend the awards ceremony.

The Outstanding Staff Awards is an annual event to acknowledge the professional accomplishments of UK staff members and to recognize those who received department, college, or unit-level awards at the higher University ceremony. 

Sponsored by the President's Office and UK Staff Senate, Outstanding Staff Awards also features four unique awards based on nominations from community members. The category awards include Outstanding Staff Member as nominated by students, faculty, and staff. Of those nominations, an overall Outstanding Staff Award is granted to a staff member during the ceremony. Category and overall award winners are also given a cash prize in the following pay period.

Congratulations Angela!

Outstanding Staff Award category finalists included:

Nominated by Students:

• Amy Eason, College of Law Career Development
• Beth Hanneman, Student Success, Career and Academic Support
• Tricia Henry, Gatton Academic Advisor
• Etta Nuckles, Plant Pathology
• Angie Phipps, College of Health Sciences, Office of Student Affairs - Category Winner

Nominated by Faculty:

• Jane Andrus, College of Fine Arts, School of Art and Visual Studies
• Di Black, Emergency Medicine
• Michelle Castro, Provost Office - Category Winner
• Amy Collier Eason, Career Development/Law
• Ryan Lark, Facilities-Waste Management and Recycling

Nominated by Staff: 

• Bibi Broome, Department of Neuroscience - Category Winner
• Lauren Jones, PAV A Medicine/Pulmonary
• Michelle Mullins, UK Specialty Pharmacy Operations
• April Wilhoit, Fleming County Extension Office, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent

Overall Winner:

• Etta Nuckles, Plant Pathology