Athens, Ga. – Karen Kalivoda, director of the University of Georgia Disability Resource Center, recently received the 2009 American College Personnel Association College Student Educators International’s Disability Service Provider Award. This award is presented annually to a disability service professional who has advanced services for students with disabilities through dedication and advocacy. UGA’s center has won numerous awards under Kalivoda’s leadership and the award recognizes contributions made for university students with disabilities for over 25 years.
“Dr. Kalivoda has made a significant, positive difference in the lives of thousands of people associated with the University of Georgia,” said Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs. “She has provided visionary leadership for student life programs and services that enhance the educational mission of the university. Dr. Kalivoda is an outstanding professional who brings integrity, experience and the ability to work collaboratively towards the accomplishment of institutional goals.”
Jeanne Higbee, professor at the University of Minnesota added, “Given the scope of her contributions, both in direct service to students at the University of Georgia and in the dissemination of knowledge through her many publications and presentations, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of Disability Service Provider Award.”
The American College Personnel Association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education, and is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. This award is among the most prestigious honors given by the ACPA. Kalivoda was recognized at their national conference in Washington, D.C. in March.
Kalivoda holds degrees in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, and higher education from the University of Georgia.
For more information on the Disability Resource Center, see http://www.dissvcs.uga.edu/.