Awards of Distinction

Dr. Ellen Key is a professor in App State's Department of Government and Justice Studies and director of the department's honors program. She has been a faculty member in the department since 2012.

Key was inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2019 and was recognized among App State's Most Helpful Faculty and Staff in the 2018–19 and 2019–20 academic years.

In a nomination letter for Key, one of her former students shared that her first class at App State was taught by Key. "Dr. Key provided a warm and welcoming classroom for everyone. She is very passionate about political science and everything it entails, and the excitement is seen through her teaching. She creates realistic scenarios to help explain difficult concepts and is accepting of any student's perspective."

Key earned her bachelor's degree in government and women's studies from Georgetown University. She holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in political science from Stony Brook University.