McKinley receives Presidential Service Award
Traci McKinley was recognized with the Weatherford College 2023 Presidential Service Award for her unwavering dedication and service to the college and community despite personal challenges at the annual Presidential Luncheon address Sept. 19.
President Tod Allen Farmer outlined the many ways WC faculty and staff embrace an attitude of service, from providing community flu shots to building Habitat for Humanity homes, supporting area food banks and providing Meals-on-Wheels.
“Ultimately, one person who has faced extraordinary challenges permeated my thoughts,” Farmer said. “We all have days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and we just don't feel our best. This person makes no excuses and courageously puts their best foot forward, no matter the circumstance.
“When her mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease—endured tough medical treatments and, ultimately, passed away—this person picked herself up and kept doing the best job she could possibly do. She collaboratively developed and led our Quality Enhancement Plan and supported our institutional re-accreditation. Then came the heartbreaking news that she too was facing a serious health condition. What began as a little slower walk to her office, later required the use of a cane and ultimately a wheelchair.
“If anyone had an excuse to complain or to not be positive, it was this courageous lady. But declining health would not stop her. Medical treatments and complications would not stop her. Absolutely nothing was going to prevent her from living her very best life and from serving this noble institution.”
Farmer also presented a Presidential Core Value Coin to athletic administrative assistant Keri Waller whose oversight has grown from five to 10 sports over the past three years.
“Keri not only takes care of our student-athletes; she mothers them and loves them,” Farmer said. “She loves Weatherford College, and she loves this community.”
Farmer expressed his thanks to WC students, guests and community leaders for their support and contributions to the college. He also highlighted recent college achievements, including enrollment growth, new degree programs and athletic success.
He also emphasized the importance of the Presidential Core Values of faith, hope and love in the college's culture and encouraged students to embrace these values, improve themselves and then the world.