Cathy Jasper, assistant to the associate provosts for faculty development and culture and academic personnel, has been awarded West Virginia University’s 2022 Neil S. Bucklew Social Justice Award.
Named after WVU’s 21st president, Neil S. Bucklew, the Bucklew award is presented annually to a WVU faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding leadership, courage and support in the areas of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Cathy makes everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and included,” said Meshea L. Poore, vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Her positive attitude shines throughout her work. Her inclusive way of working across campus to
plan and communicate along with her dedication to WVU’s core values makes a difference each and every day. Cathy Jasper embodies the spirit of this award.”
Jasper has worked at WVU since 1995, starting as an office assistant for the Center for Student Advising and Records. After expanding her responsibilities there, she became the “face” of the (previously titled) Center for Women’s Studies. She has worked with the Women’s Leadership Initiative, WVU Advance Center, the recently created Faculty Justice Network, and as a liaison and coordinator for various on-campus events.
Many also know her from her work as an event staff person through Rhino Sports and Entertainment, where she assists with athletic events and commencement.
Jasper is also active in the community, having served as chapter president (1997-99) for her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, served on the Board of Directors (2018-21) for the HOPE domestic violence taskforce, and has been both a wedding coordinator and delegate for her place of faith.
Kasi Jackson, director of WVU ADVANCE and Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, nominated Jasper for the award.
“Her caring and inclusive approach connects people and makes them feel valued and accepted,” Jackson said. “Everyone benefits from her warm and individualized greeting for them. It is clear that being an ambassador for the University resonates to her core and never has there been a more shining example of what it means to be a Mountaineer and representative of the Mountaineer spirit of freedom, acceptance, and inclusion.”
Amena Anderson, director of the Faculty Justice Network, first met Jasper nearly three decades ago when Anderson was a graduate student at WVU.
“Much has been written about the factors which foster the success of Black and Brown students, faculty, and staff at PWIs [predominantly white institutions],” said Anderson. “Preeminent among these are ‘a sense of connection and belonging,’ and ‘access to information’ about how the institution works. Cathy has been and continues to be a primary source of connection, belonging, and consequential information for WVU’s constituents in the margins.”
As the recipient of the 2022 Neil S. Bucklew Social Justice Award, Jasper will receive $2,500 that may be used for professional development or directed to one of several worthy WVU Foundation accounts.