Rashawn Harvey, assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services at UNK, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award during Thursday’s meeting.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and the University of Nebraska. It is the university’s top staff award.
Harvey is known for helping students overcome barriers and achieve success. He advises 92 TRIO students and inspires them through meaningful, one-on-one relationships, motivational speeches at TRIO events and leadership in the classroom.
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded program that assists first-generation and income-qualified students and those with documented disabilities during their pursuit of a college degree by providing academic and personal support, financial guidance and career development opportunities. The program’s mission is to increase student retention and graduation rates.
Harvey relates so well to TRIO participants because he was once in their shoes. As a student, he was in UNK’s first TRIO class. He found the support and guidance he needed and is passionate about giving back to students in a program that gave so much to him. Harvey tells students that TRIO is here to help them navigate the higher education system on their road to graduation, and countless students have walked across the commencement stage because of the support they received from him. The national slogan is “TRIO Works,” and he lives that every day.
Harvey has worked at UNK for 17 years, and he has two degrees from the university. He’s also the head football coach at Kearney Catholic High School. His wife Jennifer is director of UNK’s Thompson Scholars Learning Community. They have three daughters, Jessamyn and twins Jolissa and Janessa.
Colleagues heartily agree that it is a pleasure to work with Harvey. The smile that is always on his face radiates his enthusiasm and passion for the work he does and the pride he has for UNK.
