UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Commission for Adult Learners is accepting nominations for its award that recognizes an employee who has provided significant support to adult students.
The annual Shirley Hendrick Award recognizes a Penn State staff member, faculty member or administrator whose accomplishments have fostered and helped the University’s effort to serve adult learners.
Nominations are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 13.
The award is open to any Penn State employee who:
- Demonstrates leadership, support and advocacy for adult learners throughout the University community
- Champions strategic initiatives to integrate best practices for adult learners into the overall landscape of the University
- Encourages innovative activities to foster and inspire a culture of collaboration while improving access to adult learner programs and services
- Exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial and visionary leadership in creating new opportunities for adult learners to access Penn State programs
“Adult learners are passionate about their education and go on to do remarkable things that represent Penn State proudly,” said Brian Redmond, the past chair of the Commission for Adult Learners who is overseeing the award process. “Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, were Penn State adult learners. The Shirley Hendrick Award is a terrific way to recognize people who are going above and beyond to support adult learners recognize their dreams.”
The award was named for Hendrick, who was an associate dean for continuing and distance education in the Smeal College of Business and also served as the first chair of the Commission for Adult Learners.
Last year’s recipient was Trisha Everhart, the assistant director of online programs for the School of Labor and Employment Relations, who has been working with adult learners since 2008.
The Shirley Hendrick Award will be announced at the 2022 Hendrick Best Practices Conference for Adult Learners in May 2022. The conference showcases the kinds of ways faculty and staff can support adult students, with talks by experts, networking opportunities for employees and panel discussions featuring adult learners.
Visit the Commission for Adult Learners website for more information about the Hendrick Award and to submit a nomination.