Personal integrity and professional commitment are marks of success in higher education. Few illustrate those values at the University of Louisville as much as Diane Whitlock, who recently received UofL’s George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award. It is the highest recognition bestowed on a UofL staff member.
The annual award, presented by the Employee Success Center, recognizes the contributions of an extraordinary staff member who exemplifies the traits of its namesake, George J. Howe (humility, generosity and excellence in leadership), as well as the Cardinal Principles. Award winners have an exceptional impact on the university and its vision of being a great place to learn, discover, connect and work.
Whitlock, the assistant vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of Access and Opportunity, began her career at UofL more than 46 years ago. In 1980, she arrived on campus as a recruitment and special projects coordinator for the School of Nursing. Whitlock would go on to serve as the executive assistant to the senior associate vice president for diversity and equity, where for more than 20 years she played key roles in developing the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Prior to her current role, Whitlock was the chief of staff in the Office of Diversity and Equity.
Throughout her time at UofL, Whitlock, also a UofL alumna, has been recognized for her commitment to higher education including the Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award for her work on the Commission on Diversity and Racial Equity, the Outstanding Performance Award for her mentorship to students, faculty and staff, and the Cardinal Principal Award (Leadership) for her work with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
From the nominations which were submitted in support of Whitlock, her colleagues said Whitlock’s impact is evident in academic outcomes, confidence, resilience and sense of purpose she helped students develop. Many students credit Whitlock as a pivotal figure in their college journey — someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves.
“Anyone who knows George Howe knows his legacy and his unwavering commitment and support for students and colleagues,” said Whitlock. “To be recognized with an award named after George is not only humbling, but incredibly generous and inspiring. I am truly honored; I treasure it and will always work to live up to it.”
