Yanarella Named 2010 Lyons Award Winner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2010) –Political science professor Ernest Yanarella has been a fixture on University of Kentucky's campus and in the Lexington community since his arrival in 1971. In his nearly 40 years at UK, Yanarella has distinguished himself on campus as a teacher and scholar, and by his extensive service to the university and community in a multitude of roles. The Martin School for Public Policy presented Yanarella with its 2010 William E. Lyons Award for Outstanding Service on May 6. The award is given each year to an individual associated with UK who has contributed significantly to the university, the people of Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Yanarella more than fits the bill, according to students, colleagues and friends.

"I can't imagine anyone anymore deserving of this award than Ernie Yanarella," said architecture professor Richard Levine. "He has always looked for ways to do the right thing for UK, the city of Lexington, the state of Kentucky and the globe!"

"I am extremely gratified by this award, especially because it's an award for service," said Yanarella. "During my time here at UK, I have regarded community service as one of the three major goals of this university. I have enjoyed everything I've done, helping to shape policy and also giving back."

Yanarella's ability as a teacher and mentor to students has been recognized by countless awards, including the 1993-94 Arts and Science Outstanding Teacher Award and his Endowed Professorship in the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence.

Yanarella has been instrumental in creating a number of UK activities and institutions designed to reach out across departments and disciplines to the broader community, which include his service as coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Faculty Committee for Social Science and Technology Development and co-chair of the Provost Senate Council Planning and Coordinating Committee on General Education. Yanarella is also the Director of the Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences and Co-Director of the Center for Sustainable Cities.

"It's his scientific and academic compassion for his fellow human that manifests in his service," said Levine. "Ernie will do anything to the best of this ability for everyone that asks."

Yanarella is widely recognized for his outstanding scholarly record as well. The political science professor is author of nine books, twelve book chapters, fifty scholarly articles and numerous other publications in his field. In recognition for his scholarly work, Yanarella has received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 1997 and is currently serving as the 2009-10 Arts and Science Distinguished Research Professor.

Yanarella’s sweeping service to the university includes his terms as Chair of the Senate Council, Presiding Officer on the University Senate and as Faculty Trustee on the UK Board of Trustees.

In addition to his service to UK, Yanarella’s efforts on behalf of Lexington and the Commonwealth are far-reaching. He is a founding co-chair and representative for the Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice, founder of the Citizens for Informed Voting in the Commonwealth initiative and has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Kentucky Civil Liberties Union. 

"I'm so pleased to see a critical mass of folks dedicated to making the Bluegrass better," he said. "To have these groups grow and continue is extremely fulfilling."

Perhaps Yanarella’s most profound service has been his work to help expose Lexington to the concept of sustainable living.

"Peace, Social Justice, and Sustainability: Dr. Yanarella’s name is uniquely linked to these issues," said statistics professor Arne Bathke in his nomination letter. "Sustainability issues have more recently percolated into mainstream conscience, but this is in large part thanks to thinkers and doers such as Dr. Yanarella who has clearly been years ahead of the curve. "

The Lyons award is named in honor of the late William (Bill) E. Lyons (d. 1994), Professor of political science and public administration. Throughout his life, Lyons served the campus, his local community and the Commonwealth, in a variety of roles, including Director of the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, Chair of the Political Science Department, Chair of the University Senate Council, Executive Director of the Merger Commission which established the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, member of the Urban County Council and Chair of various urban county government committees.     

Lyons was a dedicated scholar, teacher, and public servant who made innumerable contributions in all areas of university life and extended his professional expertise to address the problems affecting the local and state communities. 

Through this award and through the work of professors like Yanarella, the life and legacy of service exemplified by Lyons continues to live.