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

TROY, Ala. – Kim Waldrup, secretary in the Department of Counseling and Psychology on Troy University’s Phenix City Campus, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for March.

Waldrup, a member of the University’s staff since 2002, received the award Monday during a ceremony at the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, presented the award to Waldrup, who was nominated by Dr. M. Kathryn Ness, chair of the department.

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.

Ness called Waldrup “a gem” adding that she performs her job responsibilities in an “exemplary manner.”

“Our department includes more than 400 students, and Ms. Waldrup can call every one of them by name,” Ness said. “Both faculty and students are always commenting on what an outstanding job Ms. Waldrup does. She anticipates everything well before it is needed. Ms. Waldrup is a tremendous asset to Troy University and our faculty, staff and students.”

Waldrup, a resident of Phenix City, said she was pleased and honored to receive the award.

“It feels really good to be recognized and to receive such an award,” Waldrup said. “I am still in shock. This was a complete surprise and one that I am very grateful for.”

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CUTLINE: Kim Waldrup, secretary in the Department of Counseling and Psychology on Troy University’s Phenix City Campus , receives the Vergil Parks McKinley Award for March from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY chancellor, and Dr. Kathryn Ness, chair of the department, during a ceremony in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus on Monday. 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.