Our History of Honoring Women at Marshall
The Women of Marshall Awards are rooted in a longstanding tradition of recognizing leadership, advocacy, and service that advance gender equity at Marshall University and in the surrounding community. While the format and scope of these recognitions have evolved over time, the values they honor—equity, courage, inclusion, and collective well-being—have remained constant.
NOMINATIONS TO REOPEN SPRING 2027
The Women of Marshall Awards honor individuals whose leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service advance gender equity, inclusion, and community empowerment at Marshall University and beyond. Nominations should provide specific examples demonstrating impact, leadership, and alignment with the mission of the Women’s Center.
Honoring Legacy, Building the Future
The history of these awards is one of continuity and growth—from early grassroots recognitions to a comprehensive, values-driven awards program. While gaps in archival records exist, they do not diminish the impact of those honored nor the importance of continuing this tradition with care, transparency, and intention.
If you have information regarding a past recipient please share — wcetner@marshall.edu
Women of Marshall Award Recipients
2026
Dr. Patricia Proctor Life time Achievement
Dr. Kellie Prejean – Honorable Mention
Cara Bailey – Unity in action
Darian Marcum – Impact award
Allison Dodd – Catalyst for change
2025
Dr. Montserrat Miller
Dr. Cynthia Jones
Dr. Huanshu Yuan
Lillian Hager
2021
Dr. Monica Brooks
Ellen Castro
Officer Claire Joswick
Takira Williams
Marshall University proudly announces the 2026 Women of Marshall Award Recipients, honoring exceptional women who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to equity and community impact. These awards celebrate women who exemplify the values of unity, inclusion, and transformative change through education, service, and civic engagement.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Patricia Proctor, J.D.
Director of the Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy and Pre-Law Advisor
Dr. Patricia Proctor receives the 2026 Women of Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to academia, civic engagement, and women’s empowerment at Marshall University since 2011. Dr. Proctor has significantly expanded prelaw opportunities at Marshall University by organizing networking events with judges, attorneys, and legal professionals, while also providing intensive one-on-one advising that has helped students gain admission to top law schools such as Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and Vanderbilt University.
She has demonstrated extensive campus leadership through initiatives like Court on Campus, interdisciplinary Honors seminars, and service on numerous university committees focused on civic engagement, women’s status, and student governance. As Executive Director of the Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy, Patricia has brought nationally recognized legal scholars and public figures to campus, secured more than $200,000 in grants, and expanded civic literacy throughout the community through public lectures, outreach to schools and local organizations, and statewide broadcasts on public television.
Unity in Action Award: Cara Bailey
Assistant Dean & Director of the Society of Yeager Scholars
Cara Bailey is honored with the 2026 Unity in Action Award for her work promoting equity, justice, and educational empowerment within the Society of Yeager Scholars. Cara’s leadership and engagement are evident throughout campus in the relationships she builds with her students and colleges. She was instrumental in the revision of Yeager Scholar evaluation process, which resulted in finalists representing the highest levels of academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and more closely reflected state and national demographics.
Impact Award: Darian E. Marcum, J.D.
Title IX Case Manager
Dr. Darian Marcum receives the 2026 Impact Award for her outstanding efforts in supporting the students at Marshall University. Darian is recognized as a dependable leader, expert coordinator, and problem solver who works directly with the system to prevent compounding harm. She is also a community advocate, dedicating her time off campus to serve on the Branches Domestic Violence Shelter Fundraising Committee.
Catalyst for Change Award: Allison Dodd
Student Athlete & Changemaker
Allison Dodd is the 2026 recipient of the Catalyst for Change Award, recognizing her inspiring leadership and activism in support of women’s swim and dive team reinstatement at Marshall University. Allison is being recognized for her willingness to be the voice, to ask for support, and to continue advocating for herself, her teammates, and future female athletes. Allison, with the support of her entire team began a movement so much larger than herself.
