Professional News

Rogers to Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame; Wilson is Martin School’s Distinguished Alum for 2017

of
headshot photo of Hal Rogers
Karen Wilson

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2017) – Tonight the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration will bestow its two highest honors on a pair of individuals who have long served the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the U.S.

Congressman Hal Rogers, a Republican from Somerset, is being inducted into the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame, while Karen Wilson is being honored as the Martin School’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2017. The awards will be presented during the school’s annual Alumni and Friends Reception at UK’s Boone Center.

Serving Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981, Hal Rogers is currently in his 19th term representing the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, and is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. Focused on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drug use and preserving the natural treasures of Appalachia, Rogers has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the interests of the region where he was raised. Nationally, Rogers served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016.

Karen Wilson is an environmental scientist consultant senior in the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. She has worked in Kentucky state government for 21 years in the cabinet overseeing environmental protection, natural resources and energy programs. As part of a National Governors Association Policy Academy, she is currently involved in an initiative to encourage broad discussion on factors affecting Kentucky’s electric power sector. She has a bachelor's degree in English from UK, in addition to her master's degree in public administration from the Martin School. 

Martin School Director and Professor Ron Zimmer said of Rogers and Wilson, “The Martin School is proud to honor these two outstanding individuals who have elevated the standards of those around them and devoted their lives to the advancement of the common good for the people of our state and nation.”

In conjunction with tonight’s festivities, the Martin School Board of Visitors will welcome a new chairperson as Ron Carson succeeds outgoing chair Brad Cowgill.