The American College Personnel Association recently named Michelle Kusel, assistant director of the Center for Leadership, as one of five recipients for its latest Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professional Award.
The ACPA created the award to commemorate the life and work of the late professor Philip A. Tripp and Ursula Delworth, “who dearly loved to challenge their contemporaries and junior colleagues in a spirit of personal and professional sharing, good humor, and intellectual debates,” according to the organization’s website.
Individuals are honored for their contributions to the fields of administration, teaching, research and publications. Three senior professionals and five emerging professionals are honored each year at a dinner where they can engage in lively and thoughtful discussions about professional issues.
The Latin phrase “annuit coeptis” reflects Tripp’s optimism for the future of the profession by suggesting that the gods have smiled upon that which we have begun. Kusel will accept the award on March 29.
After obtaining a degree in industrial engineering from Marquette University and working in that field for some time, Kusel obtained a master’s degree in higher education from Loyola University in her native Chicago, Ill., and worked there as graduate assistant prior to coming to Elon.
“Without a doubt Michelle reflects the spirit of the Annuit Coeptis award,” assistant professor John Dugan of Loyola University wrote in a nominating letter. “Her intelligence, professionalism, and character inspire a deep sense of optimism for the profession consistent with the legacies of Phillip Tripp and Ursula Delworth. Michelle is intellectually curious, demonstrates an incredible commitment to social justice, and works tirelessly to enhance the educational experiences of college students.
“This is complemented by an ethic of care and warmth of personality that reflect her deeply held convictions regarding the important work of student development. Perhaps most importantly, Michelle is incredibly humble and often shocked or embarrassed by the praise she receives constructing her work as an extension of her passion and rarely acknowledging the incredible talents she possesses.”