Christy Moran Craft named 2025 Kathryn A. Holen Award recipient
Friday, May 2, 2025
The College of Education at Kansas State University proudly announces that Christy Moran Craft has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Kathryn A. Holen Excellence in Advising Award.
A professor in the department of special education, counseling and student affairs, Craft exemplifies the people-centered values K-State is revered for, and being selected as this year’s awardee is further proof.
Since 2002, the award has recognized individuals who excel in advising, demonstrate care for students, encourage growth and foster inclusive and supportive mentoring relationships.
Craft serves as the graduate coordinator for the College of Education and the coordinator of the student affairs graduate programs. Since joining the K-State faculty in 2005, she has made a significant impact through her teaching, advising and research. To date, Craft has guided more than 30 graduate students to successful degree completion, including 20 doctoral dissertations and 14 master’s reports.
One of her doctoral students described Craft as a remarkable mentor who balances professionalism with compassion.
Ashley Thomas, assistant director of resources and managing editor for NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, expressed her gratitude in the nomination letter she submitted for the award.
“Dr. Craft has been the foundation of my success, offering unwavering support, constructive feedback and genuine care throughout every step of my Ph.D. journey,” Thomas said.
A leader in her field, Craft is known for her scholarly work on spirituality, religion and meaning-making in higher education, particularly the role of Christianity and the legal considerations surrounding religious expression on campus. She has taught both master’s and doctoral-level courses, and her influence extends beyond the classroom through her service on editorial boards for leading journals and active involvement in professional organizations.
Craft’s honors also include the Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award and the NASPA IV-West Outstanding Faculty Member Award. She contributes her expertise to multiple university committees dedicated to mentoring and academic excellence.
Craft received her Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bradley University.