Kay Kent Excellence Award
The Kay Kent Excellence in Public Health Service Award recognizes outstanding performance in public health service. The award is named after W. Kay Kent, who served as director of the Health Department for 33 years.
Award Recipients
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Sonia Jordan, 2021
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Jery Mårquez, 2020
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Kathy Colson, 2019
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Vince Romero, 2018
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Frendida Zamora, 2017
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Kelli Raney, 2016
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Myrna Hartford, 2015
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Linda Rippetoe, 2014
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Jennie Henault, 2013
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Pat Meyers, 2012
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Jennifer Hayward, 2011
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Kim Ens, 2010
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Charlotte Marthaler, 2009
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Sue McDaneld, 2008
W. Kay Kent
Director of Health Department
1973-2006
“Kay was innovative, energetic, dedicated and a true leader. She was deeply committed to excellence and widely known as a consensus-builder.”
Education
W. Kay Kent grew up in Van Wert, Iowa, the youngest of 9 children. When she was 12 years old, her mother became ill with leukemia and passed away just 2 years later. That experience led Kay to pursue a career in nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Kansas in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in Community Health Nursing from Boston University in 1973. She worked as a nurse and nursing instructor before joining the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department in 1973 as administrator and health officer.
Director of Health Department
1973-2006
“Kay was innovative, energetic, dedicated and a true leader. She was deeply committed to excellence and widely known as a consensus-builder.”
Education
W. Kay Kent grew up in Van Wert, Iowa, the youngest of 9 children. When she was 12 years old, her mother became ill with leukemia and passed away just 2 years later. That experience led Kay to pursue a career in nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Kansas in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in Community Health Nursing from Boston University in 1973. She worked as a nurse and nursing instructor before joining the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department in 1973 as administrator and health officer.