The HDI Emerging Leader Award
In 2026, the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute is pleased to offer its inaugural Emerging Leader Award. This award is designed to recognize one HDI-involved student or trainee per year who has made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. The criteria for this award are based on the HRSA Maternal Child Health Bureau Leadership Competencies as well as the trainee or student’s demonstrated commitment to serving the disability community.
Awardees will receive a $500 payment in addition to a personalized plaque and recognition on HDI’s website and during a summer 2026 HDI Staff Connections meeting.
Please see attached PDF for nomination criteria and additional details:
Nominations should be submitted here: Emerging Leader Nomination Form no later than June 15, 2026.
Skip to PDF contentThe Burberry Award
From 2004-2025, the Human Development Institute administered the Burberry Award. This award was developed in honor of Kevin Burberry, a former Human Development Institute employee, member of the Board of the Bluegrass Technology Center, and founding member of the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation whose patience, intelligence, kindness, and determination inspired many students and faculty within the disability field. Please see below for a comprehensive list of past Burberry Award recipients.
- Tony Lobianco – 2004
- Christy Howard Potter – 2004
- Carol Lunney – 2005
- Laura Moore-Lamminen – 2006
- Sara Boyd – 2007
- Barney Fleming – 2007
- Christina Espinosa – 2008
- Bev Harp – 2009
- Jessie Birdwhistell – 2010
- Alicia Renfro Watts – 2011
- Ashley Candelaria – 2012
- Emily Hogston – 2013
- Allie Rhodes – 2014
- Dr. Harold Kleinert – 2015
- Katherine Hastings – 2015
- Katherine Terrell – 2016
- Lisa Dunkley – 2017
- Lindsey Woosley – 2018
- Kennedy Kehaulani Guess – 2019
- Emily Moseley – 2020
- Haley Potter – 2021
- Bethaney A. Curry -2022
- Nicholas Hoffmann – 2023
- Julie Pfeiffer – 2024
- Allison Borden – 2025
- Caleb Rader – 2025