Academics

Williams honored with Hendrick Award for service to adult learners

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ann Williams, chancellor at Penn State Lehigh Valley, has been honored with the 2014 Shirley Hendrick Award, presented by the Penn State Commission for Adult Learners for service to adult learners.

The Shirley Hendrick Award recognizes an administrator University-wide who has contributed to the success of Penn State’s efforts to serve adult learners. The award is named in memory of Shirley Hendrick (1936–2000), the first recipient, dean for continuing education in the Smeal College of Business and inaugural chair of the Commission for Adult Learners, who advocated for continuing education.

As chancellor, Williams has provided leadership as Penn State Lehigh Valley developed one of the most diverse campus portfolios of Continuing Education offerings, from professional development for corporations to healthcare training to certificate programs for educators. For example, one nominator noted her “foresight and encouragement” in expanding access to the evening/weekend practical nursing program in a community housing development.

Over the past year, Williams co-chaired the Continuing Education Task Force, with the mission of redefining the University’s statewide Continuing Education mission. She was then appointed to co-chair the Statewide Continuing Education Implementation Team. “In reviewing initiatives, budgets and protocols, Dr. Williams never lost sight of the mission of CE: to provide educational opportunities in accessible, affordable formats to serve adult learners in meaningful ways,” a nominator said.

Another nominator wrote, “Dr. Williams has been fearless in her representation of what is best and forward thinking for our adult students and their advocates in the University.”

Last Updated January 30, 2015

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