Dr. Shannon Harr honored with Martin Visionary Award
Morehead State University’s reputation for academic excellence is strengthened by hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to gain valuable research experience beyond the classroom. Recently, Dr. Shannon Harr (Class of 1999, 2001), director of MSU's Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, received recognition for his contributions and leadership regarding academic research.
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) presented Harr with the Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award at its second annual Innovation Celebration on June 25. Harr was recognized for expanding MSU's research capacity, improving collaboration across Kentucky's higher education institutions, and serving as an early supporter of KCV's NSF-funded KCV EDGE initiative.
The event welcomed innovators, researchers, partners and supporters from across Kentucky to recognize outstanding leadership in innovation and celebrate the continued growth of the state's research and commercialization ecosystem.
Named in honor of Dr. Tom Martin, an early supporter of KCV, the Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and collaboration have created lasting opportunities for Kentucky's researchers, students and innovators.
"Dr. Harr was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award because he exemplifies the collaborative leadership and long-term vision the award was created to recognize. Throughout his career, Shannon has consistently worked to strengthen the systems that support research, remove barriers for faculty and students, and build partnerships that expand opportunity, not only for Morehead State University, but for Kentucky's broader innovation ecosystem," said Mandy Hartman, KCV associate director of research enterprise.
"As an early champion of KCV, he has embraced a collaborative approach to building institutional research capacity while also helping create clearer pathways for innovation and commercialization. His leadership reflects the very vision Dr. Tom Martin championed: bringing institutions together to create lasting impact that no one organization could achieve alone."
"It feels humbling to know that what I contribute to commercialization efforts here at MSU and at the state level is so appreciated and valued," Harr said. "I am proud to be a part of Kentucky Commercialization Venture's important work and the benefits that both MSU and I have received."
Harr said MSU researchers and those in creative productions continue to apply for and receive external funding with impressive results, which he hopes can continue for the benefit of both faculty and students. He said the recognition he received does not just speak to his work, but to Morehead State as an institution.
"I think it shows that even though we are a small regional institution in eastern Kentucky, we still have highly innovative faculty and students who are engaging in remarkable research that can ultimately make a difference to society," Harr said. "I think that is what I am most proud of."
Harr oversees MSU's Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, which provides the best possible support for the faculty, staff and students in their pursuit of funding for research, other scholarly and creative activities, instruction and public service.
In addition to Harr receiving the Martin Visionary Award, MSU alum and former Board of Regents member Dr. Jason Marion (Class of 2004, 2006) received the KCV Innovator of the Year Award. He is a professor of environmental health science at Eastern Kentucky University, as well as the founder and CEO of Eastern Scientific.
To learn more about the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, contact Harr at s.harr@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2010.
For more information on how to participate in undergraduate research at MSU, contact the Center for Career Development & Experiential Education at careerservices@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2233.
Photo: Dr. Shannon Harr (right) and MSU alum Jason Marion (left) were both honored at the Kentucky Commercialization Ventures Innovation Celebration.
Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
