Long-time MSU administrator Dr. Dan Connell to receive Founders Award

Upon the recommendation of President Jay Morgan, the Morehead State University Board of Regents is honored to announce that Dr. Dan Connell is the recipient of the 2026 Morehead State University Founders Award for University Service.

Established by the Board of Regents in 1978, the Founders Award recognizes individuals who have given superior service to MSU as employees or volunteers.

“The Founders Award is the highest honor given by MSU to recognize those who have dedicated their time to advancing the University,” said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan. “Dr. Connell’s impact on our campus continues to be felt every day, and he is most deserving.”

Connell dedicated nearly 40 years to MSU, serving in many leadership roles advancing academic support, regional outreach, and student success. His positions included:

• Director of the Academic Services Center;
• Associate Dean of Academic Support and Extended Campus Programs,
• Dean of Extended Campuses, Continuing Education, and Academic Support;
• Associate Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and
• Assistant Vice President of Regional Education and Outreach

In his role as AVP for Regional Education and Outreach, he expanded access to education across the region. He also helped secure and manage key outreach, TRIO, adult education, workforce, and AmeriCorps/RSVP grants, including a $2.2 million award helping students and communities, and served nationally as a TRIO program consultant and evaluator.

Connell’s contributions have earned him wide recognition, including being named 2019 Educator of the Year by the Morehead Chamber of Commerce and the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award from the Council for Opportunity in Education for outstanding contributions to educational opportunity. He stayed active in University leadership through service on the Assessment Oversight Committee and the Strategic Planning Subcommittee. He also represented MSU as its lead proposal writing consultant for the Council on Postsecondary Education’s KEYS to KERA initiative.

Beyond MSU, Connell served on the TENCO Workforce Development Board, the board of directors for the Council for Opportunity in Education and held leadership roles with both the Southeastern and Kentucky Associations of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel.

To signify his family’s commitment to MSU, Connell established the Donna and Dan Connell Scholarship Endowment, ensuring future students have access to the opportunities that defined his career. Connell’s legacy is one of dedicated leadership and a lasting commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

For more information on the Founders Award and to view past recipients, please visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/foundersaward.