Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award

The Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award honors a faculty or staff member in the College of Health and Human Development who has made sustained and significant contributions to fostering diversity and inclusion at Penn State and/or in the College of Health and Human Development.

During her two-decade tenure in the College of Health and Human Development, Assistant Dean Joyce Hopson-King served as a dedicated advocate and caring mentor for students, staff, and faculty. She was a highly valued and accomplished leader, colleague and collaborator on efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging not only in the college but across the University. She inspired many through her joyful example of how building a diverse community makes us all stronger. Her contributions to our college created the fundamental foundation for our future success.

The recipient of the award is expected to have demonstrated this spirit of commitment and action to the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the College of Health and Human Development.

Eligibility

Any faculty or staff member in the College of Health and Human Development may receive this award. The individual must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Is dedicated to facilitating and advancing inclusiveness in and out of the classroom, in the College and throughout the University.
Serves as a role model to students, faculty, administrators, and to the local community in working toward a diverse University.
Has made sustained contributions in such areas as recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, staff, and faculty; research and scholarship which seeks to understand and enhance diversity and inclusiveness; or outreach to others.
Has made a lasting impact on the College by fostering an appreciation for human differences and furthering opportunities for diversity and inclusion.

Past recipients of the Diversity Achievement Award are not eligible for a period of five years.

Nominate

To submit a nomination, please complete the on-line nomination form and provide the following documentation:

One detailed letter of support, with three signatures, that indicates how the candidate meets the award criteria.

Selection: Recipient of this award shall be selected by a committee appointed by the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Recipient will be notified early in the fall semester. A recognition gift and a monetary award will be presented to the recipient during the fall HHD Annual Awards Ceremony.

Questions: If you have any questions about the award or nomination process, please call (814) 865-1428 or email pennstatehhd@psu.edu.

Nominations will be accepted through March 31, 2025.