Anna Murch Hutchins Award for Staff Excellence

Anna Murch Hutchins, wife of Berea College’s fifth president, was widely admired for her quiet devotion and unwavering service to the College community. From 1920 to 1938, she served Berea with humility and grace, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

When Anna and President William J. Hutchins arrived on Berea’s campus in the summer of 1920, they were met with both promise and challenge: 125 workers, nearly 3,000 students, and a staggering institutional debt of $225,000. Just weeks into his presidency, President Hutchins declared: “I should rather go barefoot” than delay salaries for College employees. He pledged $1,000 of his own salary to help the College meet its obligations—a testament to the couple’s shared commitment to the well-being of the Berea community.

Anna, too, led with compassion and conviction. As First Lady of Berea College—and later, as the mother of President Francis Hutchins—she became a quiet force of kindness on campus. Known for her thoughtfulness, integrity, and generosity, she often sought out those who were overlooked, offering them flowers, a homecooked meal, or a listening ear. Her warmth and egalitarian spirit embodied the ideals of Berea’s motto: “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth.”

To honor her enduring legacy, the Anna Murch Hutchins Award for Staff Excellence will recognize staff members who exemplify the values she held dear: humility, generosity, and service to others. As Berea’s highest staff honor, the award will be announced each May during the Commencement Ceremony. Nominations will be welcomed annually from across the campus community and reviewed by a committee of staff peers.

Through this award, Anna’s legacy of quiet leadership and heartfelt service will continue to uplift and inspire generations to come.