UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) recognized three outstanding Penn State staff members at a ceremony with University leadership, including Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, on Friday, May 15 in Old Main’s Alumni Lounge at the University Park campus. These annual awards are funded through a generous endowment established by former Penn State President Eric Barron and his wife, Molly Barron.
This year’s USAC Staff Award recipients are:
- Staff Leadership Award: Carolyn Jensen, director of the Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center
- Staff Excellence Award: Emory Kade McKenna, administrative assistant for Outreach in the College of Health and Human Development
- Staff Morale Award: KateLynn Luzier, promotion and tenure coordinator, College of Health and Human Development
Cheryl Knobloch, USAC Awards Committee chair, said that the 2026 award nomination pool increased by 218% over 2025.
“This remarkable growth made deliberations both inspiring and especially rigorous,” Knobloch said. “On behalf of the USAC Awards Committee, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the nominators. Your dedication not only honors your colleagues but also elevates the standard of excellence within our community.”
In her remarks, Bendapudi addressed the award winners and said, “You were selected from among many thoughtful and compelling nominations, and your recognition today is an affirmation of the importance of your work, the impact of your efforts and our gratitude that you are part of the Penn State community.”
Staff Leadership Award
2026 recipient: Carolyn Jensen, director of the Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center
The Staff Leadership Award is presented to a staff member who leads by example and focuses on team successes while inspiring those around them. The recipient recognizes natural gifts in team members and works with them to continue their development, while seeking ways to improve the operations of their unit and the University.
Jensen’s nominators highlighted her ability to bring clarity to complicated policy and foster an inclusive, collaborative community. She is viewed as a steadfast advocate for students and a skilled mentor to new advisers. Nominators noted that she readily supports colleagues, engages in career development conversations and shares opportunities demonstrating a sustained commitment to growth, both for herself and for her team.
Letters of support touched on Jensen’s leadership during a period of change in the New Student Orientation process, where she led the first advising meeting for every incoming Eberly student, ensuring they connected with an adviser and could move forward with confidence. A colleague wrote, “Her efforts helped reduce stress that we advisors were feeling about the changes and kept new student advising running efficiently during the transition. She also made sure our students were getting the best support possible during a major transition in their lives.”
Staff Excellence Award
2026 recipient: Emory Kade McKenna, administrative assistant for Outreach in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD)
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes an employee who behaves in an honest and ethical manner; embraces an understanding of multiple perspectives; fosters creativity in problem-solving, takes the initiative to make processes and procedures better; and makes outstanding contributions to the University, its communities and its work units.
Nominators described how McKenna ensured stability and forward momentum in The College of HHD during a time of leadership transition, managing communications and coordinating meetings. Multiple nominators described him as a champion for inclusion and belonging, citing his leadership in the Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racist Literature Club (D.E.A.L.).
His problem-solving ability and adaptability were evident when he was asked to help support military service members transitioning from World Campus to residential campuses. After receiving a suggested academic plan for one major, McKenna took the initiative to adapt and expand it across all academic programs in the college. As one nominator wrote, “Emory is remarkable, and I use that word purposefully. He is remarkable because he is passionate about people, community and discovery.”
Staff Morale Award
2026 recipient: KateLynn Luzier, promotion and tenure coordinator for faculty affairs in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD)
The Staff Morale Award recognizes an employee who leads with enthusiasm, fosters a respectful and cooperative work climate, values the opinions of others, practices active listening, and is considered trustworthy by peers. Acting in an honest, optimistic and ethical manner, they work to create a culture that is safe and inclusive and encourage everyone to coalesce around institutional goals.
Luzier was a key contributor to the development of the HHD Staff Superlative Awards in 2025, which recognizes staff members’ unique strengths and contributions. Nominators noted that, fittingly, Luzier’s name was submitted by numerous colleagues for the “Energizer Bunny Award,” which honors an individual who consistently uplifts and boosts team energy.
Luzier serves as the lead of the Welcome Team for the Health and Human Development Staff Advisory Council, helping colleagues develop a sense of belonging and fostering cross-departmental connections. Nominators praised her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in her role as co-lead for the Rainbow Roar, an employee resource group. As one nominator wrote, “KateLynn advocates strongly for the rights and dignity of all individuals. She continues to educate herself on global issues and uses this knowledge to foster informed and nuanced discussions within the college community.”