Award Descriptions
Distinguished Career in Psychology
The nominee should have made a significant contribution to the field of psychology or the public. Their career spans a significant period of time, 20 years or so, and has been a credit to the profession. The nominee may be someone well known for their accomplishments or a psychologist's whose quiet work over many years has demonstrated the impact of psychology in their own community.
Distinguished Service
Hall of Fame
Nominee should be a psychologist whose work has significantly contributed to the development of psychology in Kentucky, and who meets the eligibility/selection criteria. This may be through clinical, academic, research, or any aspect of psychology. Must be a current or past KPA Member. They may be living or deceased but their work meets the above criteria.
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist
Nominee should be a KPA member who uses their skills, knowledge, and identity as a psychologist to promote and work for the greater good. The nominee for this award serves as a leader in their various communities. Through prolonged engagement in significant activities, they contribute to improving the lives of all. This can include public service, volunteerism, board membership and other strategic roles often not directly associated with the day-to-day work of psychologists in our careers. They bring psychological science and expertise to bear on existing challenges to improve community well-being locally, nationally or globally.
Kniffley Early Career Psychologist
KPA Champion
KPA Mental Health in Media
Psychologist of the Year
Nominee should be a KPA member who has contributed to the field of psychology and made significant contributions over the past year. There are no minimum years of service for this award.
Researcher of the Year
Schuster Advocacy
Past Award Descriptions
KPA Champion
Distinguished Citizen
Outstanding Citizen
KPA Booster Award
Regional Awards
Lifetime Achievement
Past Recipients
2025
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Don Rogers, M.A.
Distinguished Service Award: Rep. Morgan McGarvey
Hall of Fame Inductee: Pam Cartor, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Yara Mekawi, Ph.D.
Kniffley Early Career Psychologist Award: Caroline Hartz
Lisa Logan
Amelia Stanley
Psychologist of the Year Award: Lindsey Jasinski, Ph.D.
Researcher of the Year Award: Katrina Burch, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Joe Edwards, Psy.D.
2024
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Owen Nichols, Psy.D.
Frederick Schmitt, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Rep. Kim Banta, Ed.D.
Rep. Keturah Herron, M.A.
Hall of Fame Inductee: David Susman, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Jennifer Price, Ph.D.
Kniffley Early Career Psychologist Award: Lucille Gardner
Jordan Minor
Clint Nowicke
KPA Champion Award: Gov. Andy Beshear
Psychologist of the Year Award: Christal Badour, Ph.D.
Researcher of the Year Award: William Stoops, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Colby Cohen-Archer, Ph.D.
2023
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Andy Meyer, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Rep. Lisa Willner, Ph.D.
Sen. David Yates
Hall of Fame Inductee: Carol Held, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Georgeann Brown, Ph.D.
Kniffley Early Career Psychologist Award: Lucille Gardner
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern
Psychologist of the Year Award: Candice Hargons, Ph.D.
Researcher of the Year Award: Cheri Levinson, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Dave Hanna, Ph.D.
2022
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Theresa Botts, Ph.D.
Suzanne Meeks, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Karen Berg
Rep. Ken Fleming
Hall of Fame Inductee: Lisa Willner, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Clare Wahl, Ph.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Brenda Nash, Ph.D.
Researcher of the Year Award: Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Don Rogers, M.A.
2021
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Paul Salmon, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr
Rep. Walker Thomas
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Joe Bargione, Ph.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Patrick Pössel, Dr.Rer.Soc.
Researcher of the Year Award: Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Katie McBride, Ph.D.
2020
Researcher of the Year Award: Amanda Mitchell, Ph.D.
2019
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Bryan Carter, Ph.D., HSP
Distinguished Service Award: Rep. Al Gentry
Rep. Brandon Reed
Jack Runyon APA Citizen Psychologist Award: Tammy Hammond-Natof, Ph.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Dan Han, Psy.D.
Researcher of the Year Award: Jeff Reese, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Amanda Merchant, Ph.D.
2018
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Danny Carroll &
Rep. Kimberly P. Moser
Hall of Fame Inductees: Abby Shapiro, Ph.D. & Cay Shawler, M.S.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Candice Hargons, Ph.D.
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Laura Ungar, The Courier Journal
Psychologist of the Year Award: Steve Katsikas, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Joe Bargione, Ph.D.
2017
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Kevin Pernicano, Ph.D.
Patricia Pernicano, Psy.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Reginald Thomas
Rep. Addia Wuchner
Hall of Fame Inductees: Howard Bracco, Ph.D.
David Hanna, Ph.D.
Judith Peoples, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Ida Dickie, Ph.D.
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Jamie Lucke
Psychologist of the Year Award: Lisa Powell, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Steve Katsikas, Ph.D.
2016
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Martha Wetter, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Ralph Alvarado
Rep. Rick Rand
Friend of Psychology Award: Tad T. Myre, Jr.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Dan Han, Psy.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: William W. Stoops, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Jennifer Price, Ph.D.
2015
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Mike Nichols, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Julie Raque Adams
Sen. Morgan McGarvey
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Cay Shawler, Psy.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Felicia Smith, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Joe Edwards, Psy.D.
2014
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Myrna Boland, Psy.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Whitney Westerfield
Rep. Darryl Owens
Hall of Fame Inductee: Nancy Gordon Moore, Ph.D., MBA
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Sean Patrick Reilley, Ph.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Elizabeth McKune, Ed.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Georgeann Brown, Ph.D.
2013
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: David L. Winsch, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Jimmy Higdon
Rep. Jesse Crenshaw
Hall of Fame Inductee: William J. Meegan, Ph.D
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Virginia Frazier, Psy.D.
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Al Cross, Kentucky Healthy News
Psychologist of the Year Award: Joe Edwards, Psy.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Felicia Smith, Ph.D.
2012
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Howard F. Bracco, Ph.D.
Macy A. Wyatt, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Robert Stivers
Rep. Linda Belcher
Hall of Fame Inductees: Paul C. Hager, Ph.D.
David D. Lanier, Ph.D.
Sheila A. Schuster, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Douglas Hindman, Ph.D.
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Ben Keeton, Publisher and Director of Sales
Medical News
Psychologist of the Year Award: Dave Hanna, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Lisa G. Willner, Ph.D.
2011
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Charles Morgan, Jr., Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Tom Jensen
Rep. John Tilley
Hall of Fame Inductee: Donald Ralph, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Patricia Pernicano, Psy.D.
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Laura Krueger, Kentucky Educational Television
Psychologist of the Year Award: Stanley Bittman, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Laurie Mount Grimes, Ph.D.
Lisa Powell, Ph.D.
2010
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: S. Abby Shapiro, PhD
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr
Rep. Scott Brinkman
Rep. Jeff Greer
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Judith Peoples, PhD
Psychologist of the Year Award: Stephen Stratton, PhD
Schuster Advocacy Award: Stanley Murrell, PhD
Cay Shawler, M.S.
2009
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: James P. Bloch, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Denise Harper Angel
Hall of Fame Inductees: C. Dwight Auvenshine, Ph.D.
Robert Baker, Ph.D.
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Carol E. Jordan, M.S.
Psychologist of the Year Award: Suzanne R Rogers, Ph.D.
Schuster Advocacy Award: Elizabeth W. McKune, Ed.D.
2008
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Art Nonneman
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Gary Tapp
Rep. Joni Jenkins
Hall of Fame Inductees: Billie Ables
Sister Agnes Lucille Raley
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: T. Kirby Neill
Psychologist of the Year Award: Jennifer Sutherland
Schuster Advocacy Award: David Susman
2007
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Arthur Schechet
Distinguished Service Award: Rep. Jimmie Lee
Sen. Charlie Borders
Hall of Fame Inductees: Judith P. Worrell
Jesse G. Harris
Graham B. Dimmick
Noble H. Kelly
Jack Runyon Community Service Award: Abby Shapiro
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Sandy Wensley, Medical News
Psychologist of the Year Award: Charles R. Carlson
Schuster Advocacy Award: Larry Curl
2006
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: William J Meegan
Distinguished Service Award: NAMI Lexington
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Diane Heilenman
KPA Service Award: Carol Held
Psychologist of the Year Award: Dennis L Molfese
Schuster Advocacy Award: Joe Aponte
2005
Distinguished Service Award: Jim Wayne
KPA Booster Award: Tony Cash
KPA Service Award: Tony Sheppard, PsyD
Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award: Carol Carrithers
Psychologist of the Year Award: Andy Meyer, PhD
Schuster Advocacy Award: Nancy Gordon Moore, PhD
2004
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Dan J. Luchtefeld
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Louie Nunn
Sen. Gerald Neal
KPA Service Award: Rick Purvis
Psychologist of the Year Award: Owen Nichols
Schuster Advocacy Award: Kevin Chapman, MS
2003
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Robert G. Meyer, Ph.D
Distinguished Service Award: Sen. Julie Rose Denton
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Gideon Gil, Courier Journal
Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award: Steve Barger
Outstanding Service to Psychology Award: John F. Hanel, Ph.D.
Psychologist of the Year Award: John C. Runyon, MS
Schuster Advocacy Award: T. Kerby Neal, PhD
2002
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Henry Davis
Bob Smith
Distinguished Citizen Award: Jim Powell
KPA Booster Award: Jim Batts
Ron Taylor
KPA Central/Western Award: Ron Stephens
Fayette County Award: Bill Meegan
Jefferson County Award: Edith Bloch
KPA Northern/Eastern Award: Joan & Crocker Peoples
Public Advocacy Award: Kathy Stein
KPA Mental Health in the Media Award: Monica Richardson
Psychologist of the Year Award: S. Abby Shapiro
Schuster Advocacy Award: Jane Brake
T. Kerby Neill
2001
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Kim Jonason
KPA Central/Western Award: Cindy Barker
Fayette County Award: Carol Lowery
Jefferson County Award: Holly Gustafson
KPA Northern/Eastern Award: Michelle Amburgey
Psychologist of the Year Award: Art Nonnenman
2000
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: V. Gayle Spears
KPA Central/Western Award: Carolyn Hauenstein
Fayette County Award: Anne Shurling
Jefferson County Award: Eric Drogin
KPA Northern/Eastern Award: Tamara Knox
Public Interest Award: Molly Clouse
Jim Dailey
Stanley Frager
Public Service Award: Rep. Mary Lou Marzian
Sen. Dan Kelly
Psychologist of the Year Award: Carol Held
1999
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Paul Hager
KPA Central/Western Award: Pam Haines
Fayette County Award: Bill Meegan
KPA Northern/Eastern Award: Doug Hindman
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Jamie Lucke
Distinguished Citizen Award: Sen. Joey Pendleton
Rep. Bob Damron
Rep. Bob Deweese
Psychologist of the Year Award: Bryan Carter
1998
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Cay Shawler
Distinguished Citizen Award: Jane Chiles
Laurel True
Psychologist of the Year Award: Richard I. Edelson
1997
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Thomas W. Miller
Distinguished Citizen Award: J. Patton
KPA Mental Health in Media Award: Gil Lawson
1996
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Bob Sivley, Sr.
Distinguished Citizen Award: Sen. Ernesto Scorsone
Psychologist of the Year Award: Charles Morgan
1995
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Dwight Auvenshine
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Edward Newbury
1994
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Nancy Gordon Moore
Distinguished Citizen Award: Rep. Tom Burch
Outstanding Citizen Award: Sen. Jeff Green
1993
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Joseph E. Willet
Outstanding Citizen Award: Carl Reed
1992
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Lovick C. Miller, Ph.D
Outstanding Citizen Award: Carl Reed
1991
Distinguished Career in Psychology Award: Judith Worrell
1990
Distinguished Citizen Award: Bill Lear
Michael Maloney