Outstanding Alumni Award

Every year the Department honors an outstanding alum in recognition of distinction in embodying the idea of a liberal arts education

Photo of Tanisha Hickerson by Chanel Well-Henderson, Always Images Photography

Photo by Chanel Well-Henderson, Always Images Photography. From Business First "20 People to Know in Law" profile.

2020 — Tanisha Hickerson

Judge Hickerson, of the Kentucky 30th District Court 9th Division, earned her BA in Philosophy in 2003 and her JD at the University of Kentucky in 2006. Before her election to the bench, she was a partner at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. While at UofL she participated in women's Basketball and the Debate program. She chose Philosophy in order to help develop her skills in research, analysis, and writing -- skills that serve her every day in the law and as a judge, where she "tr[ies] to treat each case with dignity, compassion and respect for all parties involved."

 

2019 — J. Angelo Corlett

Dr. Corlett completed his M.A. in Philosophy at the University of Louisville in 1985 and then moved on to the University of Arizona, where he completed his Ph.D. in 1992. From 1996-2020 he was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Ethics. He is Professor of Philosophy at San Diego State University, where he is a perennial favorite of his students.

The author of 8 books and over 100 articles on topics including social epistemology, punishment, terrorism, reparations, and the philosophy of religion, Dr. Corlett was the A&S Alumni Fellow in 2004.

 

 George Shields

 

2018 — George Shields

Dr. Shields received his B. A. in Philosophy from the University of Louisville in 1973, his M.A. in Philosophy from UofL in 1975, and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Chicago in 1981, with a specialization in Philosophy of Religion, especially process theology.

Dr. Shields spent most of his professional life at Kentucky State University in Frankfort where he taught, served as acting chair of his department, and as interim Dean of the College.

He is a prolific writer, having co-authored five books and published too many articles to name.

 

2017 — Steven Ford

Steven Ford graduated with High Honors in Philosophy from the University of Louisville and was awarded (in 1982) the Richard Campbell Smith Memorial Award for Excellence in Philosophy.

He is the owner and president of Ingredient Resource Corporation and partner and president of the LancFord Group LLC. Currently, he is serving on the board of the Archdiocesan Development Council (advisory council to the Archbishop of Louisville); the Presentation Academy Board of Directors; the Presentation Academy Finance Committee Chair; and the Community Catholic Center Board which provides financial and family support for Portland/West end of Louisville children.