By Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –Campbellsville University honored Dr. William Douglas Feltner of Greensburg as the adult community recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at commencement May 10.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said, “As was the case with the distinguished career of the namesake of this award, Dr. Feltner, or Doug as many of us know him, is serving humanity in many ways as a family practitioner, husband, father, church member and servant to all.”
The student award recipient was Trent Elliott Creason of Campbellsville, who was co-valedictorian of the graduating class.
Carter explained that this is the sixth consecutive year for CU to present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards.
“Campbellsville University was selected in 2002 to participate in this very prestigious awards program that honors the memory and legacy of the late Algernon Sydney Sullivan. There are some 50 colleges and universities in the South that are approved by the Sullivan Foundation to annually present these awards to one graduating senior and to one adult,” he said.
Carter explained that Sullivan was a lawyer, devout Christian, mediator, powerful and appealing orator, a courageous citizen during perilous times, a noted philanthropist and a devoted family man. In the words of a friend, Sullivan “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness to others.”
He said Feltner is a deserving recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award in recognition of his servant leadership; providing of affordable medical care to a large number of residents of this community and region, resulting from his service to the students, faculty, staff and Board of Campbellsville University; and in view of his love of family, church, and community.
Feltner has served as a member of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees since 2001 where he has been a member of the student services and athletic committees.
Carter said Feltnerhas been a very strong supporter of both academic and athletic programs at CU and is known for his compassion and willingness to share his medical knowledge and skills with Campbellsville University students from around the world.
“The confines of time and this setting do not allow enough time to point out the many CU students, as well many others in the community at large, who Dr. Feltner has treated and seen on the spur of the moment – without any payment ever expected or charged in many situations,” Carter said.
“His commitment to treating others is exemplified further by providing a free community medical clinic in Green County for three years. He has provided numerous free sports physicals for student athletes in Green County, Taylor County, and Campbellsville public schools.”
Feltner is an active member of Campbellsville Baptist Church along with his family. He has been a member of the Gideon’s International organization for the past few years and is active in various professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, Kentucky Medical Association, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association and the Taylor County Medical Society.
He serves as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He had a family medical practice in Greensburg from 1990 to 2007 and has had an ongoing family medical practice in Campbellsville since 1995. He has served on the medical staffs at both Jane Todd Crawford Memorial Hospital, where he served as medical director for seven years, and Taylor Regional Hospital.
Feltner has served as medical director for the Green County Medical Services and as a board member of the Department of Health.
A native of London, Ky., Feltner is a graduate of Laurel County High School and attended Eastern Kentucky University and then graduated from the University of Kentucky where he prepared for his initial career as a physician assistant. Prior to becoming a doctor, he worked as a physician assistant for several years.
He did post graduate work at the University of Louisville and then graduated from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. in 1989.
Feltner is a lifetime member of the Sigma Sigma Phi Medical Honor Society; received the outstanding senior medical student award; participated in the Mayo Clinic’s honors pediatric cardiology student clerkship; was in the top ten percent of his medical school class; was in the top one percent in the United States in part II of the medical school board exams; was named an Academic All American; and named to Who’s Who in Osteopathic Medicine.
Feltner and his wife, Barbara, have three children: Melanie, Matthew and Kelsey. Carter said Matt has been an outstanding student at CU for the past few years and is finishing some graduate courses as he prepares to attend medical school in the fall 2008.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in an award that has been in existence for several years. In 1890, three years after his death, a memorial committee was formed – former President Grover Cleveland was among the group’s members. The members charged themselves with keeping alive the traits of Sullivan. The original group passed along the task to the New York Southern Society, which later passed on the torch of remembering Sullivan’s ideals to the Sullivan Foundation formed in 1934.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.