This award was given annually to an individual associated with the university who has given outstanding service to the University of Kentucky, the community, or the Commonwealth. It is named in honor of Dr. William E. Lyons (1935-1994), Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, Director of the Martin School, Chair of the Political Science Department, Chair of the Lexington-Fayette County Merger Commission, member of the Urban County Council, and chair or member of various other university and government committees.

Martin School of Public Policy and Administration ...a powerhouse for change!
The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration is a comprehensive school of policy and administration, offering degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level, as well as graduate certificates. Excelling in research, education and public service, it provides an innovative environment reflective of commitment, strategic thinking and integrity. Beginning in 1976 with the creation of the Master of Public Administration program, the Martin School has earned national recognition, growing from a single master's program to a comprehensive school. It prepares graduates for a variety of public service careers including those in local, state or federal government, nonprofit agencies, and advocacy organizations, as well as for advanced studies in fields such as law, public policy, management, and public finance. The addition of the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy further extends the school's mission to develop the next generation of public servants and policy leaders from the earliest stages of their academic careers. The Martin School's public financial management and budgeting specialization ranks 4th in the country, and the school ranks 27th in the country overall, in the latest U.S. News and World Report ranking of public affairs programs.
William E. Lyons Award for Outstanding Service
1995 - Gilbert Friedell
1996 - Carolyn S. Bratt
1997 - Joseph P. Straley
1998 - Ronald D. Eller
1999 - Donald C. Haney
2000 - Lauretta F. Byars
2001 - Daniel R. Reedy
2002 - Thomas S. Foster
2003 - Jack C. Blanton
2004 - Wimberly C. Royster
2005 - Penny M. Miller
2006 - Ellen K. Hahn
2007 - Joseph L. Fink, III
2008 - Merl Hackbart
2009 - Hatim Omar
2010 - Ernest Yanarella
2011 - Patrick P. Deluca
2012 - TK Logan and Carol Jordan
2013 - M. Scott Smith
2014 - Kenneth R. Troske
2015 - Eugenia F. Toma
2016 - Allison Connelly
2017 - D. Stephen Voss
2018 - Paul Eakin
2019 - Anne-Frances Miller
2020 - Bill and Mary Witt