Karen Tillery, Area Enrollment Coordinator at the Fayetteville, N.C. Support Center, has won Troy University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award.

Tillery, who has been a member of the TROY staff since 2011, received the award from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, on Dec. 15 during the University’s annual Faculty/Staff Christmas luncheon at the Troy Campus. She was nominated by Philip D. Rausch, Director of the University’s Southeast District.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented quarterly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by the late John McKinley, former Texaco CEO, in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the University’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $1,000 stipend.

Throughout numerous changes at the Fayetteville Support Center, Rausch said Tillery has been a constant, taking on additional responsibilities when necessary and providing unfailing support the University’s students in the Fayetteville area.

“Karen truly cares about the Fayetteville community and her students at the Fayetteville location,” Rausch said in his nomination of Tillery for the award. “On my trips to the location, the students all refer to her as their ‘school Mom,’ who makes sure they remain on track with enrolling and testing and that they stay on task. She was recently recognized by the Fayetteville Army recruiting company for supporting their soldiers. She proctors tests, goes out to the community talking about TROY, attends career fairs and visits military installations, all in an effort to serve students and build the TROY enrollment at the Fayetteville site. She embraces the Trojan Spirit and has a never-quit attitude. She is an example for all of TROY to follow.”