| YEAR | RECIPIENT NAME | AFFILIATION |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Thomas Ryavek
(presented posthumously) |
Lexington Coal Company |
| 2010 | Charlie Mason | Morehead State University |
| 2009 | Frank Ettensohn | University of Kentucky |
| 2008 | David A. Williams | Kentucky Geological Survey |
| 2007 | Ken W. Fishel | Find Out |
| 2006 | James F. Howard | Find Out |
| 2005 | David K. Hylbert | Find Out |
| 2004 | Avery E. Smith | Find Out |
| 2003 | Samuel H. Norris | Find Out |
| 2002 | Larry R. Rhodes | Rhodes Incorporated |
| 2001 | Robert E. Fox | Term Energy Corporation |
| 2000 | Henry M. Morgan | Private Consultant |
| 1999 | John C. Philley | Morehead State University |
| 1998 | James K. Vincent | Find Out |
| 1997 | William MacQuown | University of Kentucky |
| 1996 | Wallace H. Hagan | Kentucky Geological Survey |