UK Outstanding Staff Awards: Beth Potter

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2026) — As the University of Kentucky approaches this year’s Outstanding Staff Awards, the UK Staff Senate continues to celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Staff Awards, announced earlier this year, by highlighting the excellence, dedication and meaningful contributions of each honoree.

Winners were nominated by peers, faculty and students across campus, reflecting the depth of talent and commitment among UK staff. Finalists were selected in student, faculty, staff and overall award categories, with one recipient chosen in each category.

Among the honorees is Beth Potter, deputy executive director at the UK Human Development Institute (HDI). She received the 2025 staff-nominated award.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, especially knowing how many extraordinary people across the University of Kentucky dedicate themselves to making a difference every day,” Potter said. “I have been fortunate to work with remarkable and kind people throughout my career, and I see this recognition as a reflection of the people who have trusted, challenged and supported me along the way.”

As a member of HDI’s executive leadership team, Potter provides strategic leadership for an institute with more than 250 staff and approximately 50 projects. Her responsibilities include leadership and oversight across state contracts and federally funded grants focused on disability, workforce and systems change. Her work also encompasses organizational strategy, operational effectiveness, workforce development and partnerships that strengthen systems and improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

Those contributions became especially important when Potter stepped into the role of acting executive director during a period of organizational transition. According to her nomination letter, she provided steady leadership, supported employees and kept staff informed and connected.

Her nominators described a leader who listens carefully, approaches difficult decisions with honesty and fairness, and consistently puts the organization’s needs ahead of personal recognition.

Potter said the people she works alongside remain the most rewarding part of her role.

“I work with incredibly talented and passionate people who are committed to improving lives and creating opportunities for people with disabilities and their families,” she said. “I love that my role allows me to think strategically while remaining connected to the people and work that make our mission possible. I enjoy finding better ways to do things and helping others turn good ideas into meaningful action.”

With more than 30 years of experience in organizational leadership and administration, including service at HDI and the UK Markey Cancer Center, Potter said effective leadership requires seeing the larger picture without losing sight of the people behind the work or those affected by the decisions being made.

“I hope I’ve contributed to an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to make meaningful contributions,” she said. “For me, that’s what leadership is ultimately about — creating opportunities for others to succeed and making a positive difference along the way.”

Winners of Staff Senate’s 2026 Outstanding Staff Awards will be announced in December. In the coming weeks, UKNow will continue to highlight winners of the 2025 awards.

The UK Staff Senate is the official representative body of university staff. Through shared governance, the Staff Senate elevates staff perspectives, strengthens communication with university leadership and promotes collaboration among employees across the university. Staff Senate advocates for staff interests, supports a positive workplace experience and recognizes the people whose work advances the university’s mission and service to the Commonwealth. Learn more about Staff Senate and the Outstanding Staff Awards at staffsenate.uky.edu.