MSU to honor 2026 Alumni Award winners at Homecoming
Morehead State University's Office of Alumni Relations & Development and the MSU Alumni Association will honor the 2026 class of alumni award honorees and the Founders Award winner during Homecoming 2026.
These individuals will be honored at the Homecoming Alumni Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Luckey Ballrooms A & B on the third floor of the Adron Doran University Center.
"Recognizing our newest award winners is always a highlight,” said Jessi Ferguson (Class of 2011, 2012), executive director of the Office of Alumni Relations & Development. “It’s inspiring to see what Eagles have done and the impact they’ve made after their time at Morehead State.”
MSU Founders Award
The Morehead State University Founders Award for University Service is an award established by the MSU Board of Regents in 1978 to recognize individuals who have provided superior and extensive service to the University as an employee or volunteer.
Dr. Dan Connell
Dr. Dan Connell is the recipient of the 2026 Morehead State University Founders Award for University Service, the University's highest honor recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to Morehead State University.
Connell dedicated nearly 40 years to MSU, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Academic Services Center, 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.
Throughout his career, he expanded educational opportunities across the region by leading outreach initiatives including regional campuses and securing grants that supported TRIO programs, adult education, workforce development and community partnerships.
His outstanding service has been recognized with honors including the 2019 Educator of the Year Award from the Morehead Chamber of Commerce, the 2017 GEAR UP Kentucky Beacon Award from the KY Council on Postsecondary Education and the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award from the Council for Opportunity in Education.
Beyond the University, he has served in leadership roles with regional and national educational organizations dedicated to expanding access to higher education.
Connell and his wife, Donna, established the Donna and Dan Connell Scholarship Endowment, demonstrating their lasting commitment to helping future generations of MSU students succeed.
Connell and his wife, Donna, established the Donna and Dan Connell Scholarship Endowment, demonstrating their lasting commitment to helping future generations of MSU students succeed.
Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
The Alumni Hall of Fame is the highest recognition provided by the Alumni Association, recognizing those who have made a profound collective impact in their profession, community or region.
Richard Crowe (Class of 1967, 1970)
Richard Crowe dedicated more than 40 years to higher education, teaching at Morehead State University, Cumberland College, and Hazard Community and Technical College. During MSU's transition from college to university, he submitted more than 200 grant proposals, with 89% receiving funding, including the first for the nursing program. A respected educator and leader, he served as President of the Kentucky Economic Association and continues to support education through his service with the Sons of the American Revolution. Crowe’s impact as a mentor, author, and advocate has left a lasting mark on his students and the Hazard region.
Brian Davis (Class of 2001)
Brian Davis has built a distinguished career as an aerospace engineer with NASA, contributing to some of the nation's most significant space exploration programs. He helped in certification of the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule's for NASA/SpaceX's first crewed mission (demo 2 flight, 2020) through verification analyses and oversight as part of NASA Commercial Crew Program. This was the first NASA crewed launch in the US since 2011 when the Space Shuttle was retired. He has supported major initiatives including Boeing Starliner, Sierra Space Dreamchaser, Orion spacecraft abort system flight tests, SAGE III payload, hypersonic vehicle development, and sustainable/environmentally responsible aviation research.
Steve Leslie (Class of 1983)
From Grammy-winning songs to shaping the next generation of musicians, Steve Leslie has made his mark as a songwriter, performer, and educator. A Grammy Award winner for the title track of Ricky Skaggs’ Brand New Strings, his songs have been recorded by artists including Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Darius Rucker, and Rhonda Vincent. He has performed at venues including the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Bluebird Café. Leslie has also taught at Belmont, Middle Tennessee State, and Berklee College of Music, helping shape the careers of Chris Stapleton, Erin Enderlin, and Abbey Cone.
Notable Alumni Award
The Notable Alumni Award is provided to a graduate who is excelling in their career field or community.
Brooke Westling (Class of 2002)
Brooke Westling bridges technology and healthcare as a Senior Developer and Instructor at Mayo Clinic. For more than a decade, she has developed tissue-based assays that support diagnostics, research and laboratory operations while connecting technology and medical teams to advance innovation in healthcare. A respected mentor and educator, Westling exemplifies excellence in healthcare technology and patient-focused service.
Rising Eagle Award
The Rising Eagle Award is given to a graduate of the last 10 years who is demonstrating early career success.
Whittney Allen (Class of 2022)
Whittney Allen serves as Director of Foundation Marketing & Communications for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, leading strategic marketing, communications, donor engagement, and brand strategy for the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities. A Morehead State University nursing graduate, she leverages her clinical background and communications expertise to advance philanthropy and improve health across Appalachia. Allen was named a Kentucky Colonel and serves on the Morehead State University Nursing Advisory Council.
Eagle Spirit Award
The Eagle Spirit Award is given to an exceptionally proud Eagle who regularly demonstrates their pride in various ways.
Bill Baldridge (Class of 1968)
A lifelong Eagle, Bill Baldridge has inspired generations as a high school and MSU coach and through his work with Team Focus, a national mentorship program for young men without fathers. Named OVC Coach of the Year in 1986, his leadership and passion for the game left a lasting mark on MSU Athletics. He brought Team Focus’s free summer camp to campus and continues to support the University, leaving a legacy of mentorship and unwavering Eagle pride.
For more about alumni recognition and Homecoming 2026 events, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Development at 606-783-2033 or email giving@moreheadstate.edu.
