University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (ITS) recently announced the recipients of their annual Customer Excellence Award for Leadership in IT Advancement.

The goal of the ITS Customer Excellence Awards program is to recognize students, faculty and staff who have made a significant contribution to the deployment of new services or resources of ITS. Each recipient was nominated by an ITS staff member who witnessed the efforts and impact made by each awarded individual. Not only has their involvement aided in the work of ITS, but it has also greatly improved the overall IT environment of the university. This year’s recipients are: Bharath Chithrala (student), Holly Hapke (Gatton faculty), and Michelle Garth (staff).

Holly Hapke has used her standing as a senior lecturer to help initiate technological advancements within the classroom. Operating closely with multiple teams, Hapke has worked to find ways to improve student retention rates. These include using Echo360-equipped classrooms which allow students to participate online when they are unable to physically attend class. She has also piloted the Adaptive Learning Platform (ALP) for Echo360, providing a more interactive online learning experience.

Holly Hapke is a Senior Lecturer in the Marketing and Supply Chain Department at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.