The University of Kentucky Office of Minority Affairs has named Dr. Zelia Holloway, minority recruitment director for UK’s College of Agriculture, as recipient of its 2002 Evelyn Black Award.

The award honors the memory of Dr. Evelyn Black, one of the first female African-American professors at UK, who died in a car accident in the 1970s. The award is presented annually to a UK faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding support of the interests of minority students.

“As this year’s recipient, Dr. Holloway has been recognized for her commitment, service, and support of African-American students on this campus,” said Chester Grundy, director of UK’s Office of African-American Student Affairs.

In addition to her recruitment responsibilities Holloway is also advisor to the UK student chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), which in 2000 was voted the country’s outstanding new chapter.

“Our message to our minority students is that education has no color, it is all-inclusive, and that it doesn’t matter what ethnic group you are in because with education and opportunity you can better your society,” said Holloway. “In the College of Agriculture we are all about opportunity, and our graduates are going to have an impact on society.”

In addition to her role as student advisor, Holloway also serves as coordinator for the Kentucky Diversity Network, an organization that serves the state’s Cooperative Extension Agents. She received her award during the recent Lyman T. Johnson awards banquet, which is sponsored by the Office of African-American Student Affairs and UK’s Black Student Union.