TROY, Ala. –Dr. Bai Kang, coordinator of institutional research, planning and effectiveness (IRPE) for Troy University’s Dothan Campus, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for July.

Kang, a member of the University’s staff since 1998, received the award Tuesday during a ceremony at the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor, presented the award to Kang, who was nominated by Dr. Angie Roling, associate vice chancellor for IRPE.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented monthly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco CEO John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the University’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $350 stipend.

Dr. Roling praised Kang for his dedication and work ethic.

“Bai is willing to go beyond the usual parameters of his job description to accomplish any task set before him,” Dr. Roling said in a letter of nomination. “He helps anyone who may have a request, and he does his work in a timely manner.”

Dr. Roling also saluted Kang for his attitude. “One of his major assets is his positive attitude,” she said. “He greets everyone with a smile and obviously enjoys working with his colleagues. He is organized, motivated to do superior work and supports numerous areas of the University. In addition to his work as coordinator of IRPE, Bai also assists the University as a host to visiting dignitaries from China. He is proficient in Chinese and English, and is therefore, very helpful with programs being developed with China and for Chinese students.”

Kang, who was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Mingjian Chen, and his daughter, Lu, said he was honored to receive the award and thanked members of the University staff for their support. “Without all of your support, help and encouragement, I could not do my job,” he said.