Distinguished Woman Award

Two outstanding women were honored by Professional Women of Kent State University with the Distinguished Woman Award. Anne Reid, program director in the College of the Arts, and Dr. Cheryl Casper, professor of economics, are this year's recipients.

Kent State has honored women with this award for 11 years. Women who are actively or formerly employed by the university may be nominated. An outstanding woman is recognized as making a significant contribution to the university community or a contribution to women on the Kent Campus. "In evaluating the 14 nominations that were received, it was a privilege to learn about the impact that has been made by these women, each of whom was deserving of this award for her contributions to Kent State and its students, faculty and staff," Beth Chambers, selection committee chair, says. "However, the contributions and impact of two women, Reid and Casper, stood out even among our distinguished nominees, and the committee decided to honor both of them with the award."

Casper said she was pleasantly surprised when she received the Distinguished Woman Award. "I think that Professional Women of Kent State University should be commended for this annual award program that recognizes Kent State's outstanding faculty and professional staff members," Casper says. She has a doctorate in economics from Case Western Reserve University and joined Kent State's faculty in 1973 as an economics professor.

Chambers said both women have shown great commitment to the university community during their respective tenures here at Kent State.

"They both have set the bar very high in terms of the kind of caring, compassionate service that we should all give to those around us," Chambers says. "They are both well respected by their colleagues and will be sorely missed next year after they retire."

eInside issue of April 7, 2008