Kirkland, Price UTM's Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award Recipients

(L to R) UT Martin's Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Andy Lewter presented Jonathan Kirkland of Martin with one of two Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Awards during the university's commencement held Saturday, November 21, 2020. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is presented to two graduating students who demonstrate outstanding campus and community service during their time at UT Martin. Photo Courtesy of UT Martin University Relations

MARTIN (November 23) – Courtney Price of Memphis, and Jonathan Kirkland of Martin, were recognized as the recipients of the Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award during the University of Tennessee at Martin fall 2020 commencement Saturday, November 21. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is presented to two graduating students who demonstrate outstanding campus and community service during their time at UT Martin.

Kirkland, a communications graduate, has served in a wide variety of leadership roles in his time at UT Martin, including as a Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) leader; a student member of the UT Martin Five-Year Strategic Plan Student Experience and Success Implementation team; a Governor’s School for the Humanities counselor; a student member of the UT Martin Athletics Advisory Board; as well as a student assistant for the Division of Student Affairs. Kirkland also hosted the on-air program “UTM in Concert” for WUTM-FM 90.3 “The Hawk.”

“Jonathan Kirkland exemplifies an excellent UT Martin student,” said Debi Adcock, administrative assistant for Division of Student Affairs. “He is a critical thinker, has the highest of integrity and is a staunch supporter of the university,” she added.

Price, a health and human performance graduate, was as an integral member of many organizations on campus dedicated to improving the minority experience at UT Martin. She has served as an executive committee member and president of the Black Student Association; a student member of the Civil Rights Conference planning committee; a member of the inaugural Multicultural Activities Council; a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Breakfast committee; as well as serving as a student employee in the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs. Price was also an active participant in “Service Saturdays” and “Captain’s Courageous Conversations.”

“Courtney is one of those students who leaves a mark on those she encounters,” Anthony Prewitt, assistant director for multicultural affairs, said in Price’s nomination letter. “She has cemented her legacy as a student advocate, leader and worker.”

Dr. Paul Meek served the UT Martin campus as executive officer, dean, UT vice president or chancellor from 1934 to 1967. This award was originally established and funded by the three Meek children to honor their parents. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is the only award given during commencement each semester.

(L to R) UT Martin's Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Andy Lewter presented Courtney Price of Memphis with one of two Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Awards during the university's commencement held Saturday, November 21, 2020. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is presented to two graduating students who demonstrate outstanding campus and community service during their time at UT Martin. Photo Courtesy of UT Martin University Relations