In recognition of her unique vision, community leadership, and her ability to transform the leadership landscape for women through her achievements, Ƶ University President Laurie M. Joyner has received the 2014 Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio.
"Woman of Distinction honorees are women of outstanding success who are making significant contributions in an impressive array of fields," notes the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio website. "They give hope and inspiration to girls through their achievements and passion for our communities. By making major impacts in the focus areas, they are role models for girls and leading the way for future girl leaders."
Now in her third year as Ƶ's first-ever woman president, Joyner is a thought-leader in the field of higher education, where she brings intimate insight into developing one's whole person and the transformative role the liberal arts plays in such development. She has especially inspired women colleagues and students with her willingness to share her own professional journey. Joyner annually hosts a Women in Leadership Luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the Springfield community and the success of Ƶ alumnae, and she was an invited panelist last year for a discussion on women in leadership during the Association of College Education's Ohio Women's Network conference.