Dr. John Gump, who recently retired after a 27-year career in EKU's College of Business & Technology, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Kentucky Association of Cooperative Education and Career Employment.

Gump joined the EKU faculty in 1974 and since 1986 had served as the faculty coordinator for co-op students from the College. He retired this year as a professor of information systems.

"John's extraordinary commitment to Eastern Kentucky University students and to the Co-op program as well as his dedication to CEAK (Cooperative Education Association of Kentucky) and KACECE (Kentucky Association of Cooperative Education and Career Employment) has certainly earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues," said Gladys Johnson, director of EKU's Division of Cooperative Education.

Gump served as treasurer of CEAK and KACECE and currently serves as treasurer of the Midwest Cooperative Education Association.

"He is sought out by new faculty co-op coordinators at EKU for professional advice and often served in an unofficial role as their mentor," Johnson said. "John personally made site visits for over 50 co-op students each semester since 1986. Countless students have commented on his kindness and genuine concern for their personal and professional development."

Gump earned a bachelor's degree from Waynesburg College, a master's degree from West Virginia University and a doctorate from Ohio State University.