UCA Receives Two Quality Awards by Governor

Two departments within the University of Central Arkansas have been awarded the Governor Quality Challenge Award by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence.

The award honors groups in the state striving for performance excellence.

The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement and the Community Development Institute-Central were presented the award by Governor Beebe at the 2012 Governor’s Quality Awards Celebration on Sept. 24.

“Excellence is one of Outreach’s core values and we are committed to being the best we can be, and we’re happy to be recognized at this level,” said Kristy Carter, director of Outreach and Community Engagement.

The Governor Quality Challenge Award is the starting point for any organization interested in adopting and applying quality principles to attain performance excellence.

“Even though we’re just at the beginning of the process, we’ve benefited greatly from the experience. UCA is a steward of a valuable state and regional resource and this will help us safeguard its future.” said Kelly Lyon, director of CDI. “Bill Craddock, a leader in the state and national quality process as well as an instructor for CDI, suggested this is a way to help CDI grow to the next level.”

The Governor’s Quality Award program is operated by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, Inc. Developed by a team of volunteers, the program is designed to provide opportunities for all organizations in the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence.

“I am very happy that our Outreach and Community Engagement and Community Development Institute-Central have been recognized for their work and contributions to the people of Arkansas and beyond,” said Dr. Steve Runge, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “UCA was the only four-year public institution recognized at the awards dinner; a remarkable accomplishment for our people and programs. I look forward to see the work of the people in OCE and CDI-Central and the level of recognition continues to rise moving forward.”