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 Friday, Dec. 15.
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.
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 Shannon Corkery, director of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) World Campus Programs and associate teaching professor of HDFS. Nominators said Corkery is committed to advocating and creating avenues for adult learners to flourish as Penn State students and as emerging professionals. They shared that she’s creative and quick in identifying and pursue innovative adaptations to support these diverse learners.
The Shirley Hendrick Award recipient will be announced at the annual University Faculty and Staff Award Ceremony in April 2024. In addition, the Hendrick Award winner will be invited by the chair of the Commission for Adult Learners to participate in the biannual Hendrick Best Practices Conference for Adult Learners on April 8, 2024. The conference showcases the best practices from the academic community to 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.