Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Two Kansas State University employees are receiving a Putting Students First Award for outstanding work with students.

The award recognizes faculty and staff, particularly in the university's Division of Student Life, who go the extra mile in advising, teaching and service to students. Recipients are nominated by peers, supervisors and students.

This year's winners are Kent Kerby, assistant director of undergraduate affairs for the Division of Biology; and Kiley Moody, coordinator with new student services.

"This award shines a light on the best and brightest of our campus faculty and staff in the Division of Student Life for dedicated service," said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students. "I can think of no better way to say thank you on behalf of our students."

Carla Jones, assistant vice president and senior associate dean of student life, leads the Student Life Staff Development Committee, which selects the recipients of the award.

"These awardees are true champions for students. We are very proud to recognize them in this very special way," Jones said.

Kerby has served in his current position since 2007. His duties include administration of scholarships in the Division of Biology, assessment of transfer evaluation requests, hosting all prospective freshmen who wish to enter the biology program, advising more than 250 biology major students per year, assisting with career planning for undergraduate students, coordinating undergraduate research experiences in the Division of Biology, and coordinating the division's participation in the All-University Open House and annual Telefund. Kerby also serves as the Faculty Senate's representative to the Student Governing Association.

"Dr. Kerby maintains a strong commitment to fairly representing the interests and concerns of our students," said Nate Spriggs, the university's immediate past student body president. "He frequently asks powerful questions that challenge student and faculty leaders alike to think more critically and consider solutions that best serve K-State, its mission, and our students."

Moody has served as coordinator for new student services since 2010. Her duties include organizing orientation and enrollment activities for approximately 10,000 new and transfer students and their parents/families, coordination of Wildcat Warm-up, and she oversees four scholarship programs. In addition, she is co-adviser to Chimes, the junior honorary.

"Kiley offers counsel to our students to help them in planning for their future or in overcoming challenges," said Emily Lehning, director and assistant vice president for student life. "She has a gift for working with college-age youth, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her at K-State."