EDITORS: A cutline for the attached photo follows at the end of this release.

TROY, Ala. – Kim Davidson, event coordinator for the Office of the Chancellor of Troy University, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for April.

Davidson, a member of the University’s staff since 2003, received the award Wednesday during a ceremony at the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, presented the award to Davidson, who was nominated by Dave Barron, executive assistant to the chancellor.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented monthly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco CEO John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the University’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $350 stipend.

Barron praised Davidson for her work ethic and tireless effort behind the scenes.

“Kim Davidson’s unsung job and behind-the-scenes work allows our University and the Chancellor to properly host numerous events for students, faculty, staff, donors and friends,” Barron said in his letter of nomination. “She is a delight to work with, displaying incredible patience across a diverse spectrum of issues ranging from concerned parents to University applications to international guests of the University. Kim is often the first impression any visitor to the Chancellor has of the University, and no one does it better. She is the tireless, unseen hand that makes the official events of the University successful whether in the board room or at the Chancellor’s residence.”

Davidson, a TROY alumna and a Pike County resident, said she was honored to receive the award.

“I am really humbled and grateful to receive this award,” Davidson said. “It is an honor to be part of such a wonderful team of people at Troy University.”

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CUTLINE: Kim Davidson, event coordinator for the Office of the Chancellor of Troy University, receives the Vergil Parks McKinley Award for April from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY chancellor, TROY First Lady Mrs. Janice Hawkins and Dave Barron, executive assistant to the chancellor, during a ceremony in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus on Wednesday. The McKinley Award is the highest honor the University bestows on a non-faculty staff member and consists of a $350 stipend and an engraved clock.