University News

CCME President James Sweizer, left, presents Rick Carter with the William E. Kennedy Award.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Carter Receives William E. Kennedy Award

February 24, 2010

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL -- Richard Carter, director of nontraditional programs at Western Illinois University, has been awarded the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) 2010 William E. Kennedy Award. The award is presented annually to an employee of an institution offering education programs at military installations.

Ann Showalter of the Rock Island Arsenal nominated Carter for the award, which was presented to Carter last week at the council's annual symposium in Nashville, TN.

"In reviewing your nomination the board has decided to acknowledge your dedication, leadership and numerous accomplishments in providing quality voluntary off-duty education programs by honoring you as this year's Kennedy Award recipient," the council wrote.

In August 2009, Western was designated as a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs Magazine and is featured in the "Guide to Military Friendly Schools." According to G.I. Jobs, this honor ranks Western in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to assist America's veterans as students.

A few of the many reasons behind Western's selection as a military friendly school include the University's strong on-campus resources for veterans and the flexibility of academic program offerings, including online courses and the unique Board of Trustees/Bachelor of Arts (BOT/BA) degree program, which Carter oversees.

While the BOT/BA degree is designed as a distance learning/online program, students majoring in the program also have the option of attending classes on Western's Macomb and Quad Cities campuses. For a student veteran, the program provides a great deal of individualization and flexibility, Carter added.

In addition, through Carter's and WIU-Quad Cities' staff efforts, the Western's Quad Cities campus entered into a partnership agreement in June 2009 with the Rock Island (IL) Arsenal (RIA), which allows current – and potential – college students interested in completing college proficiency exams to complete the exams at the Rock Island Arsenal. The WIU-QC exam facility, which is open to the public, is the first testing site in the Illinois Quad Cities. The agreement between Western and the Arsenal allows individuals the opportunity to complete an exam, such as a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, in person on Arsenal Island. A full-time WIU academic adviser, whose office is at the Arsenal, assists in administering exams, provides course and program information and advises students how to register for classes at Western.

This is the second agreement between the Arsenal and WIU-Quad Cities. In January 2008, the two entities joined forces to allow members of the RIA community to seek undergraduate and graduate degrees offered at the WIU-QC campus in accordance with a Department of Defense Directive on Voluntary Education for Military Personnel.

"Dr. Carter has been instrumental in providing quality, accessible academic programs to individuals serving in the armed forces," said WIU Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas. "The Kennedy Award is a testament to his dedication and commitment to Western Illinois University and the students we serve."

CCME, a not-for-profit organization, was founded 36 years ago to promote, encourage and deliver quality education to service members and their families in all branches of the armed services. CCME membership is comprised of military educators, civilian educators, post secondary educational institutions and suppliers of education products and services. CCME's mission is to promote and provide educational programs and services and to facilitate communication between the membership and the Department of Defense educational support network.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing