Athens, Ga. – University of Georgia housing’s M. Keener Scott recently received the Parthenon Award from the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.
The honor recognizes outstanding collegiate housing professionals for their service, leadership, achievement and contributions to the housing field.
Scott, who serves as associate director for staff development and student conduct in University Housing as well as an adjunct professor in the department of counseling and human development services, said she wants her students to look back on their experiences without saying “what if.”
“I do this work because of my servant attitude based on my faith and my desire to help others achieve their best,” Scott said. “Being a member of the University Housing team is an experience that I value. Being a part of an organization that lives its mission gives me the foundation needed to do this work.”
The Parthenon Award is the ACUHO-I Foundation’s most prestigious award. Nominees are submitted by their colleagues and must have at least 10 years of service in housing, residence life or an affiliated field, have at least five years of service at the regional or international level with ACUHO-I, and have demonstrated an impact on the campus housing profession.
Scott’s 23 years of service to UGA have been characterized by her passionate and socially conscious advocacy for the students and staff as adult learners and by an organized and collaborative spirit.
“The impact of Dr. Scott on students and staff over the past 20 years has been significant and prodigious,” said University Housing Executive Director Gerard Kowalski. “Her outstanding work with the National Housing Training Institute and her recent election to the executive board of ACUHO-I provide additional testimony to dedication and expertise. Her holistic view of the development and learning of college students makes her an exceptional resource for students, faculty and staff.”
In addition to Scott’s recognition, University Housing was recognized for its outstanding leadership within the profession and commitment to students in the field of Student Affairs. ACUHO-I Executive Director Tom Ellett awarded University Housing the President’s Award at a recent ceremony in Orlando.
Ellett noted University Housing’s involvement in the College Student Affairs and Administration program within the College of Education as well as its commitment to the National Housing Training Institute, which has been hosted at UGA for the past five years.
“Besides having an outstanding graduate prep program and Ph.D. programs, they train through competencies to provide a tremendous pipeline for the livelihood of our profession,” Ellett said in his speech. “This institution gets it right.”
ACUHO-I, a foundation with a 64-year history, serves to advance the campus housing profession in service of students through the cultivation of knowledge in order to transform it into meaningful content expertise that guides the global campus housing profession.