Baker University’s Career Services Coordinator Kelly Burns was recently granted the 2012 Career Services Member of the Year award from the Kansas Association of Colleges and Employers (KACE).

Burns was nominated for the award by LeAnn Cunningham, a KACE member from Johnson Community College. In her nomination, Cunningham said Burns’ “initiative in planning and executing projects is unparalleled in our organization.”

Burns was presented with the award at KACE’s annual conference earlier this month, a conference that Burns actually had a hand in planning.

“One of the biggest roles I’ve had in KACE this past year was working on the Conference Planning Committee,” Burns said. “We’re the ones that work on putting everything from the speakers to the meals to the events and more together for the conference.”

Burns, also the 2010 recipient of this award, said she was very honored to be recognized.

Susan Wade, director of career services at Baker University and president of KACE, spoke highly of Burns’ work.

“Kelly’s just recognized in general because she’s really creative and just highly responsible and supportive of KACE,” Burns said.

Burns said she enjoys the work she does for KACE because she feels inspired to focus on areas that she really enjoys.

“It’s so encouraging to get involved and it’s great to meet people within the organization too instead of just attending the conference each year,” Burns said.

Not only has Burns made a difference for the members of KACE, but for the students at Baker as well.

“I came into her office as a freshman and she’s been there for me since day one,” senior Nick Williams said. “She really shows concern for all the students and everyone she works with.”

Williams said Burns “overly deserves” the award and is glad she won it.

Wade, also the president of KACE this year, said any recognition Burns receives from her contributions to Baker and KACE are extremely well deserved.

“She’s the best person I’ve ever worked with,” Wade said.