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(Leavenworth, Kan.)—»¨½·Ö±²¥ Junior Kaitlynn Ellis, a member of the women's cross country and track and field team, has been selected as the 2017-18 KCAC Female Student-Athlete Champion of Character of the Year presented by IMA, Inc. and Dissinger Reed. Ellis will be recognized at the KCAC Sport Management Conference Aug. 7 at Bethany College.

"Kaitlynn demonstrates the highest level of integrity in the classroom and is most respectful to her instructors and peers," said Dr. Caroline Mackintosh, USM professor of biology. "She takes responsibility for herself, making up class work missed when participating in sport. She is also very giving of her time and is not only a leader, but a servant leader, on campus."

Ellis was selected to represent USM on the KCAC Student-Athlete Leadership Team, and she was elected vice president by her peers. This coming year, she will serve as president of the SALT group. The Sapulpa, Okla. native has helped set up numerous service activities for her team, including helping to work and run all field events at three high school track meets, working the local high school and middle school cross country meets, set up a campus cleanup day where the team picked up trash on USM's campus, and participated in Feed the Need.

"Kaitlynn exemplifies leadership, service, and academic and athletic achievements in a way few students do," explained Dr. Scott O'Leary, USM professor of philosophy. "She has overcome challenges and struggles few students—and few adults—have had to overcome, and she has always done this with a generous and giving attitude as well as intelligence and maturity."

Aside from her involvement with her cross country and track and field teams, Ellis has served as an officer in STEM Club. She has embraced numerous volunteer opportunities with the club, including helping with middle school students at the STEM event and helping with the recycling program on campus.

Ellis is a member of the All-University Honors Program, and she was the leader and organizer of the "Why Honors" Professionalism Lunch this past February—managing the logistics to prepare and serve unique and homemade food to serve over 70 students, faculty, and staff, in conjunction with an Honors seminar on Food Anthropology.

"Kaitlynn has been a true Champion of Character for our program," said USM Head Coach Alstin Benton. "From the day she joined our program, she has been a leader on our team. Kaitlynn creates high expectations for her teammates—not only athletically, but she raises the bar when it comes to character and academics. She has been an invaluable member of our program. If not for her athletic talents, it would be for her leadership ability."

About KCAC Champion of Character Student-Athlete of the Year Award

The KCAC Champion of Character Student-Athlete of the Year Award was developed by the KCAC Champions of Character Committee to recognize significant contributions of a student-athlete who excels in the classroom, athletics, and community.

Each KCAC institution has one representative on the conference-level Champions of Character Committee.  The committee members voted on the award based on the pool of nominees.  Each KCAC institution is able to select one nominee from their institution to be considered for the award. Representatives cannot vote for nominees from their institution.

Previous Winners of the KCAC Champions of Character Female Student-Athlete of the Year:

• 2016-17: Aspen Bryant - Bethany College
• 2015-16: Tena Loewen - Tabor College
• 2014-15: Hayley Ray - Sterling College
• 2013-14: Kamie Rash - Kansas Wesleyan University
• 2012-13: Maddie Chapin - Southwestern College
• 2011-12: Hollister Wolf - Tabor College
• 2010-11: Taylor Funk - Tabor College
• 2009-10: Jordan Crosson - Tabor College

About IMA

IMA is the 10th largest independently owned retail insurance broker in the U.S., offering risk management and insurance services. Founded in 1974, IMA has nearly 650 employees in offices throughout the central U.S.

About Dissinger Reed - The Most Trusted Name in Athletic Insurance

Dissinger Reed is a special risk agency that focuses specifically on the unique insurance needs of collegiate athletic departments and state high school associations. The comprehensive coverage, market expertise and peace of mind we provide our clientele are the bedrock of our success. Since 1982, Dissinger Reed has been responding to the rising costs of premiums and medical expenses on behalf of our clients. Dissinger Reed is always proactive in securing the most comprehensive insurance coverage for any risk within your college/university/junior college athletic department, including insurance for camps and clinics, international students and more.

About Spires Athletics

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ has 20 varsity sports programs—men's and women's swimming, wrestling, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, and track & field, as well as volleyball, football, baseball, softball, and co-ed cheerleading and dance. Go to  for more information on USM athletics.

 

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.