Kansas State University’s Briana S. Nelson Goff was one of four Americans to receive the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the chief of staff of the U.S. Army on September 15 at the Pentagon.

Goff is the first Kansas State University faculty member to receive the national award, which honors civilians for exceptional support of the military.

Goff is a professor of family studies and human services, and director of the Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families in the College of Human Ecology. She said the recognition is an honor not only for herself, but also for Kansas State University as a whole.

“Our work as a military-inclusive university is pivotal, across the board,” Goff said. “We have many faculty and graduate students who are doing incredible work on behalf of military service members, veterans and their families.”

The other recipients of the award included Trace Adkins, country music singer and actor; John G. Bunch, founder of Operation Open Arms; and Spencer Kympton, president of the Mission Continues.