2022 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award now open for nominations

University of Southern Indiana Outreach and Engagement is now accepting nominations for the 2022 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award through Friday, February 25, 2022. 

The M. Edward Jones Engagement Award recognizes USI employees, retirees, students, alumni, board members and trustees who profoundly enrich the lives of citizens in the Tri-state region through service, leadership and volunteerism by fulfilling the outreach mission of USI. 

Outreach and Engagement Mission: 

Outreach and Engagement's mission is to provide and facilitate quality educational, research and technical services for people, groups and organizations in Indiana and the Tri-state. These activities support and promote individual well-being, social and cultural enrichment, economic opportunity and regional development. 

"Over the last seven years, Outreach and Engagement has awarded many deserving individuals and groups that further the mission of Outreach and Engagement and USI with their work in the community," Dawn Stoneking, Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement, says. "We are grateful for the strong culture of educators, innovators and collaborators who enhance bonds between community, government, businesses, organizations and individuals, responding to their needs and fostering learning and growth." 

The award was founded in 2015, to honor M. Edward Jones, Vice Provost Emeritus for the University of Southern Indiana's Outreach and Engagement. Jones, Founding Director of Continuing Education (now Outreach and Engagement), was a key player in creating and expanding outreach efforts during his USI career from 1974 to 2010. His endeavors significantly bolstered the growth and range of programs offered by Outreach and Engagement. 

The 2021 recipient, the Southwest Indiana Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (SwISTEM) Resource Center, was acknowledged for its years of work as a regional leader in informal and formal K-12 STEM education through the implementation of student-centered outreach programs, teacher access to hands-on/inquiry-based instructional resources and STEM teacher professional development. 

Previous award recipients include:  

• 2021 - SwISTEM Resource Center 
• 2020 - Dr. Paul Kuban, Engineering 2021 - SwISTEM Resource Center  
• 2019 - Dr. Rick Hudson, Mathematics 
• 2018 - Dr. Jeffery Seyler, Chemistry 
• 2017 - Dr. Kathy Elpers, Social Work 
• 2016 - Linda Cleek, Outreach and Engagement 
• 2015 - Dr. M. Edward Jones, Outreach and Engagement  

Faculty, staff, retirees, students and alumni may submit nominations at USI.edu/JonesAward. For more information about the Celebration of Engagement or the M. Edward Jones Award, visit USI.edu/Celebration.