Appalachian native Nancy L. Zimpher receives 2007 Kinship Award

University of Cincinnati President Nancy Lusk Zimpher has been honored with the 2007 Kinship Award by the Urban Appalachian Council. This year’s dinner and ceremony was held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Monday, May 14, and featured guests from throughout urban and rural Appalachian Ohio.

The MC for the event was Nick Clooney, former television journalist, anchorman and game show host. Zimpher was recognized for her “vision, leadership, spirit of partnership, energy, passion and tenacity” and Appalachian roots. Zimpher, a native of Gallipolis in Gallia County, Ohio, has been a longtime advocate of quality teaching and student success at all levels of education, from pre-K to college.  

In 2005, Zimpher was recognized as an inaugural I’m a Child of Appalachia™ honoree by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Honorees from the region are chosen each year for their personal Appalachian success stories and commitment to increasing access and success in post-secondary education for the region’s youth.

“The success and continuing recognition Nancy receives is not only well-earned, but also unique and significant. Her leadership skills and high energy level were obvious to all of us who knew her as she was growing up in Gallipolis,” said Marianne Campbell, former FAO board chair and current trustee. “How proud we are of her extraordinary accomplishments!”

Zimpher became the first female president of the University of Cincinnati in 2004 and continues to work nationally to advance the urban and education agendas. Previous to her position at the University of Cincinnati, she served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In both places, Zimpher has worked to form university-community partnerships to enhance primary and secondary education.

Learn more about the Foundation’s award-winning I’m a Child of Appalachia™ campaign and membership network.