Public Relations Alumna Krista Kimmel (PR 2002) awarded Dr. Melony Shemberger and Dr. Marcie
Hinton top prizes at the 2023 Kentucky Communication Association (KCA) Annual Conference.
In her capacity as First Vice-President of KCA, Kimmel presented the awards on behalf of the
organization to Hinton at a different state meeting, who accepted on behalf of Shemberger and
herself.
Shemberger landed the “Vernon Gantt Award for Distinguished Service.”
Vernon Gantt is a professor Emeritus at Murray State and his award “is given in recognition of
educators whose careers have been dedicated to improving their communities at the
departmental, college/university, local and/or regional level.”
Shemberger, a former education beat reporter and university public relations officer, has
continued her efforts to help students and faculty alike engage in their respective communities.
Shemberger has twice been elected by her peers as faculty regent, where she attends board
meetings and submits reports and accolades to the faculty on a regular basis. She also serves as
President of Phi Kappa Phi, Chapter 302. She also served as Campus Director for the 2023
Governor’s Scholars Program.
Additionally, Shemberger received the “Kentucky Communication Professional of the Year” in
recognition of her exemplary record of engagement, integration and application of
communication in her field of work.
Hinton collected the “Excellence in the Art of Teaching Award,” which is bestowed on teachers
who go above and beyond to assist students in achieving academic and/or professional goals.
Hinton regularly takes students abroad, recruiting and teaching students from across the state
of Kentucky and aids in getting their works published.
“I am humbled and pleased,” said Hinton. “And to receive it from Krista who has always been a
great colleague and friend was indeed an honor.”
