Harley’s ‘Distinguished Career in Rehabilitation’ recognized by national association
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 21, 2026) — University of Kentucky College of Education Professor Debra A. Harley, Ph.D., has received the 2026 Distinguished Career in Rehabilitation Award from the Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education (ARRPE).
Harley is the Wallace Charles Hill Professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, with this most recent distinction recognizing the significant contributions and impact to the field of rehabilitation she has made throughout her career. Harley accepted the award and delivered a keynote address at the organization’s national conference in February.
“Dr. Harley’s career reflects a remarkable dedication to her students, colleagues and the academic community. She is the backbone of our department — a steady and generous presence whose support, kindness and advocacy have strengthened our community in lasting ways,” said Justin Lane, Ph.D., associate professor and acting department chair.
Harley, a certified rehabilitation counselor and a licensed professional clinical counselor, is coordinator of the Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program in the College of Education and has previously served as chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education and Counselor Education.
Harley’s living legacy as a leader in the field of counselor education has included honors such as the Sylvia Walker Education Award, the Bobbie Atkins Research Award and the Vernon Hawkins Pioneer and Leadership Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns and Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year from the National Council on Rehabilitation Education. She has also been named a Mary Switzer Scholar by the National Rehabilitation Association and a Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor at UK.
Harley’s career has also included serving as commissioner of the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. She is past editor of the Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling and the Journal of Rehabilitation Administration and is co-editor of special issues on disability policy and evaluation in the journal HealthCare.
Harley has published more than 100 refereed articles, 95 refereed book chapters and six authored or edited books, in addition to numerous editorials, book reviews and conference proceedings.
“This award is an acknowledgment by my colleagues and the profession that during my 30-plus years in academia I have held steadfast to a philosophy of advocacy, service and promotion of social justice for people with disabilities and other marginalized populations,” Harley said.
Established in December 2023, the Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education provides a forum for rehabilitation educators, researchers, providers, students, advocates and members of the disability community to connect and collaborate. Its mission is to advance the interdisciplinary field of rehabilitation by promoting research, policy and education that optimize the well-being, independence, community integration and participation of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.