President’s Leadership Award

Jennifer Austin (’92, ’93)

Jennifer Austin

 

Jennifer D. Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1992 and a Master of Accountancy in 1993 from Truman State University. She has been a long‑standing supporter of the University’s accounting program and School of Business, contributing to scholarships, student initiatives, and faculty development, and played a key role in establishing the KPMG Fund within the Truman State University Foundation. Jennifer also served two terms on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, including as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. She is currently a Partner at KPMG in New York, with more than 30 years of professional experience. Her professional career reflects a commitment to excellence and thoughtful leadership fostered during her academic experience at Truman.

 

About the President’s Leadership Award

The most prestigious award bestowed by the University, the President’s Leadership Award honors Truman’s most ardent supporters who show an exceptional commitment to the University through gifts of volunteerism, expertise, and financial resources. The awards are presented at the annual Truman State University Foundation Banquet held on campus each spring.

Recipients of the President’s Leadership Award

  • 2025: The Honorable Ann K. Covington
  • 2024: Dr. Gail Crump (’64)
  • 2024: Dan (’79) and Jan (’76) Shepherd
  • 2023: Steve (’70, ’81) and Katherine Justice
  • 2023: Dr. Debra K. Kerby (’77, ’78) (posthumously)
  • 2022: Maj. Gen. John V. Cox (’52) and Mrs. Patricia (McMichael) Cox
  • 2021: No award given
  • 2020: Betty Jo White, DO (’59)
  • 2019: Sharron (Bailey) Quisenberry (’66) and the late Larry Quisenberry
  • 2018: Mike McClaskey (’85) and Janet (Yearns) McClaskey (’84)
  • 2017: Grace Hortense Greenley (’40, ’56)
  • 2017: Geraldine (Toth) Ready (’70)
  • 2016: John Bartling (’63)
  • 2015: John and Jackie Settlage
  • 2015: Charles Holman
  • 2014: Randa Rawlins (’79)
  • 2014: Odessa Ofstad
  • 2013: Calvin Roebuck (’57)
  • 2012: Linda Miller (’70)
  • 2011: Chuck Woods (’86) & Sherri (Pierce) Woods
  • 2010: Darrell Krueger & Nancy Krueger
  • 2010: Stanley Bohon & Doris (Pickens) Bohon (’43)
  • 2009: Linden Lyle Ingraham (awarded posthumously)
  • 2009: Dean Rosebery (’41) & Amy (Ayres) Rosebery (’43)
  • 2008: Chuck Foudree (’66)
  • 2007: Dwain Horn (’50)
  • 2006: Steve Rose (’69)
  • 2005: Charles McClain
  • 2004: Donald Scriven (’50, ’59) & Jolene Davidson Scriven (’54, ’59)
  • 2003: Alvina Britz
  • 2003: L.L. Via (’48)
  • 2002: Marie Laughlin
  • 2002: Rex Miskimins (’68) & Bette Miskimins (’68)
  • 2002: Lydle W. Staggs (’41)
  • 2001: Walker Allen (’39) & Doris Allen
  • 2000: M. Frances Fuller (’35)
  • 2000: Mary Jane Kohlenberg (’56)
  • 2000: Mary Evelyn Thurman (’46)
  • 1999: Josephine Cox Jansons (’39)
  • 1998: Marian Morelock (’31)
  • 1998: C. Ethel Schwengel (’32)
  • 1998: Ruth Warner Towne (’39)