Karen Hagans, executive director of the Career Services Center at Ashland University, received two awards at the annual Ohio College Personnel Association meeting held Jan. 25-27 in Worthington, Ohio.
Hagans, who has served in an administrative role at Ashland for 21 years and 33 years as a higher education professional, received the Fayetta M. Paulsen Accomplished Leader Award and the OCPA President’s Discretionary Award. Hagans has announced she will retire in May. “I am so honored to receive these recognition awards from my peers,” Hagans said. "I am grateful to Ashland University for the opportunity to serve students who are seeking to achieve their career-related goals."
The Fayetta M. Paulsen Accomplished Leader Award is presented by OCPA to a student affairs professional who has, through outstanding leadership, made significant contributions to the field and to the institution of which the professional is a part. The professional receiving this award has achieved innovative responses in meeting the varied and emerging needs of today’s students.
This award is named in honor of OCPA’s first president. The selection criteria for the Fayetta M. Paulsen Accomplished Leader Award was as follows: -- Significant contributions to the field of student affairs and to the institution. -- Evidence of serving as a role model to students and professionals. -- Demonstrated leadership and innovation in the field by meeting students' needs.
The OCPA President’s Discretionary Award is presented in honor of service. It is presented to an OCPA member who has contributed greatly to the growth of the organization over the past years.