During Women’s History Month, Jacksonville University gathered for an awards ceremony celebrating the many women students, faculty, staff and leadership who make up over 60% of the JU community and push our institution forward. Amid the natural light and pink balloons of the Frisch Welcome Center, Dean of Students Dr. Gover and Chief Officer of People and Culture Allana Forté kicked off the event by presenting a surprised First Lady with the inaugural Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award. The honor speaks to Cost’s legacy at JU, where she’s devoted years of service to furthering students’ success.
After starting her career working in a hospital, Cost has spent the last 30 years donating her time and resources to Volunteers In Medicine, a national organization helping working families access affordable healthcare. Her dedication to families is tangible in both her achievements and her character. In her fourteen years as First Lady, she’s made it her mission to provide students with the same care and support that she wanted for her own children. From her everyday one-on-one meetings with students, to the indelible introduction of the Cost Honors College, her imprint will be felt across the University for decades to come.
“Jacksonville University has a proud history of honoring and advancing women’s achievements, dating back to our beloved University President and my cherished friend, Dr. Francis Bartlett Kinne,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost. “This award is now a part of our continued commitment to cultivating and supporting outstanding women leaders amongst our students, faculty and staff.”
The Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, philanthropy, and service have created meaningful and lasting impact within the JU community and the broader Jacksonville region. Inspired by the First Lady’s example, the award celebrates those who embody servant leadership, champion student success, and strengthen the connection between the University and the community it serves.
“Stephanie Cost has spent countless hours serving our students, sparking connections through networking, teaching etiquette, hosting conversations and showing up for the University community,” said Allana Forté. “We’re thrilled to introduce this award and celebrate the lasting impact she’s made at Jacksonville University during her time as First Lady.”
The awards ceremony also recognized Barbara Kovalevich with the Francis Bartlett Kinne Student Woman of the Year Award, Lanni Brown as the Graduate Student of the Year, Dr. Julie Brannon as Faculty Woman of the Year, and Dr. Elaine Borne as Staff Woman of the Year. The Stephanie Cost Community Impact Award joins these accolades as an annual honor awarded at the Women’s History Month Women of the Year event each March.
