Three Distinguished Alumni honored from the College of Education and Human Services

 

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University recognized three alumni from the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) for their significant contributions at the local, state and national levels, during the Distinguished Alumni Dinner held Friday, April 11.

The Distinguished Alumni Dinner is an annual celebration, hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations, that honors Murray State alumni who exemplify the values of Murray State University through leadership, service and professional excellence. 

This year’s COEHS honorees were Summer T-Oni Carney (’04), M.S. in Human Development and Nonprofit Programming; Dale Wilson (’70), B.S. in History and Physical Education; and Jonathan Lemmon (’08), B.S. in Recreation Management.

Summer T-Oni Carney currently serves as employment readiness programs manager for the U.S. Department of Defense at Fort Knox, Kentucky. With more than 20 years of experience supporting military spouses, families and service members, Carney connects those she serves with essential employment resources. Her career includes previous roles as community and veterans liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and military services coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dale Wilson, a retired Secret Service agent, was recognized for his 30-year career in federal law enforcement. Wilson protected high-profile leaders including Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, then Vice President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

“My life could have gone in so many directions, and I am so thankful that I took the road to Murray State,” Wilson said. “I would not trade Murray State and my career for anything because I have been so blessed.”

Jonathan Lemmon was honored as an Outstanding Young Alumnus. Lemmon currently serves as chief operating officer at Victory Junction, a nonprofit camp in Randleman, North Carolina, that provides life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Lemmon was honored for his leadership and commitment to inclusive recreational programming and health-focused service.

Lemmon said being a part of the Murray State legacy continues to have an impact on his life and the work that he does at Victory Junction. 

“My time at Murray State gave me perspective and experience that afforded me the confidence to go for my dreams,” Lemmon said. “It also gave me my family, so to be named ‘Outstanding Young Alumni’ is humbling to say the least. I am also just super excited to be back in town for a couple of days and to take in all the memories. Go Racers!”

Dr. David Whaley, COEHS dean, expressed the College’s pride in seeing Dale Wilson, Summer T-Oni Carney and Jonathan Lemmon honored by the Office of Alumni Relations for their accomplishments.

“Each of them represents the highest standards of integrity, dedication and leadership that we strive to instill in our students,” Whaley said. “Mr. Wilson’s exemplary service as a United States Secret Service agent, Ms. Carney’s outstanding contributions to her field and Mr. Lemmon’s impactful career accomplishments are true inspirations to the entire College of Education and Human Services community.”