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Phi Kappa Phi Announces Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Recipients

Alyssa Perez
Jul 23, 2020
SAS triple photo combined

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the recipients of its 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Artist, Phi Kappa Phi Scholar and Phi Kappa Phi Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service awards. Given once a biennium, the awards honor individuals who have demonstrated the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. Each award highlights the academic and professional accomplishments of Phi Kappa Phi members who are renowned in their field.

The 2020 recipients are:

  • Dr. John R. Vile, dean of the Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Scholar. Dr. Vile received the award for his excellence in teaching, research and public service. Through his more than 40-year career, Dr. Vile has contributed broadly to government, political, and history literature through authoring more than 25 books, editing or co-editing 15 books, and numerous chapters and peer-reviewed publications. In addition, Dr. Vile is frequently consulted by media on political issues because of his recognized expertise.
  • Dr. Lisa A. Fusillo, professor at the University of Georgia, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi Artist. Dr. Fusillo’s career as a performing artist and scholar spans more than 45 years. During this time Dr. Fusillo's contribution to the dance community includes a combination of teaching, scholarly research, creative research, service, and administrative roles. She maintains a highly regarded reputation in the dance arena both in the United States and internationally in Europe and Asia for her scholarly work as well as her creative practice in choreography. Her primary area of scholarly research is focused on the Ballets Russes era, particularly the work of Léonide Massine, receiving invitations to present her research on Massine at conferences around the world.
  • Tim Flakoll, provost at Tri-College University, was named the 2020-2022 Phi Kappa Phi recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award. As an individual who has offered sustained professional and community service across his lifetime, Flakoll has been engaged in a wide range of activities related to academia but also a wide range of community activities. His lifelong activities in service to others range from his participation in the Boy Scouts to his statewide public service as Senator, to taking part in the Fargo flood sandbagging line. He has held over 40 offices/positions with various community organizations and his work has been recognized by the governor of North Dakota as well as receiving multiple service awards. His current service activities include the Fargo Downtown Community Partnership, Dakota Medical Foundation, and the Homeward Animal Shelter.

To learn more about Phi Kappa Phi’s robust awards program, including the Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service awards, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/awards.