Student Leadership Awards 2012

We know that involvement in student organizations and campus activities enriches the lives of our students, as well as the life of our college.  

We are therefore proud to pay tribute to those students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in campus clubs, organizations, and publications.  These students have volunteered their time, maintained good grade point averages, and were active the entire year.   

Their hard work and dedication have provided endless opportunities for learning outside the classroom at Macon State. 

Criteria for Leadership Awards:

• Leadership awards are available only to student members of Recognized Student Organizations (RSO).
• Leadership awards are available to students who have been active both fall and spring semesters.
• Leadership awards will not be presented to any student who has had any disciplinary action taken or pending against him/her.
• Leadership awards must be presented to students in good academic standing.
• Leadership awards are intended to recognize the student who has exhibited the highest level of extra/co-curricular involvement and who has made significant contributions to the campus community.  As such, advisors are encouraged to limit awards to the single individual who most appropriately represents these outstanding leadership qualities.
• Leadership awards are inappropriate for students who receive significant financial compensation for their contributions.

To learn more about the Macon State College Honors Convocation, contact the Office of Student Life at (478) 471-2710 or visit the office on the lower level of the Student Life Center, Macon Campus.

Scroll down to view 2012 Leadership Award recipients.

Dr. Mary Wearn presented the award for Alpha Omega leadership to Jalon Gordon. He is the President of Alpha Omega and like every good executive, he has grown in the job. He plans at least one meeting per week both on campus and at College Station. We are pleased to present this award to Jalon Gordon. (No picture available.)

Dr. Heather Braun, who serves as the faculty advisors for Alpha Rho Sigma, presented the leadership award to Carrie Ginest. Carrie has been an enthusiastic and organized leader of Alpha Rho Sigma, Macon State’s first English Honor Society. Under her leadership, this organization has tutored at the Rosa Jackson Center and provided resources for the growing number of graduate school applicants here at the College. Congratulations, Carrie.

The leadership award for the American Society for Quality was presented by Dr. Anthony Patti to Eric Davis. Eric has been responsible for obtaining and directing a project for our group with Happy Hour Recycling in Warner Robins. He is amazingly organized and detail oriented. Eric organized a presentation by the nursing faculty on “Quality in Healthcare” and is currently organizing a field project with Happy Hour where students will be cataloging and tagging fixed assets. Thank you, Eric.

Dr. Kevin Floyd, who serves as faculty advisor for the Association of Information Technology Students, Dr. Alex Koohang, Dean of the School of Information Technology, and Mr. Johnathan Yerby presented the award for leadership to Michael Viox. Michael has been an active and integral member of our organization. As president, he has organized monthly meetings and represented AITS at the monthly Information Systems and Security Association meetings in Atlanta. Michael has also helped promote the Risk Management: Dealing with Project Management Seminar at the GA Farm Bureau. His participation and leadership make him an excellent choice for this award. Thank you, Michael!

Ms. Amy Carter and Mr. Scotty Rainwater, advisors for our newly formed Campus Activities Board (CAB), presented its first leadership award to Herman Driskell, III. As the first Chair of CAB, he was challenged to lead the organization from being a concept to being a recognized and respected campus organization. His commitment and leadership have played an invaluable role in CAB’s success this year. Congratulations, Herman.

The leadership award for Company of Players, the drama group, was presented by Assistant Dean of Students, Mr. Michael Stewart. Amanda Burkhalter participated in last fall’s production and is busy rehearsing for the spring production of “A Piece of My Heart.” She always puts in the extra effort to attend rehearsal and even arranges her class schedule in order to be in the production. Congratulations Amanda!

Chief Shawn Douglas, advisor for the Criminal Justice Club, presented its first leadership award to Wesley Sewell. Wesley is now serving as the president and has been instrumental in the creation of our club. He is being recognized for his contributions in the field of criminal justice at the College and for two very successful events: a firearms safety class and a Defensive Tactics class. Thank you, Wesley.

Dr. Karmen Lenz, faculty advisor for Dynamic Expressions, presented the leadership award to Logan Butts. Logan is passionate about her music, singing, songwriting and art. She has served as vice president, mentored a 6th grade student, illustrating how a person cultivates creativity and academic excellence. Thank you, Logan.

Dr. Mary Wearn and Dr. Benita Muth, serving as faculty advisors for the English Studies Organization, presented the next award. Jacob Funke has served as an officer of the ESO for two years. In 2010, ESO members literally dragged him into the officer meeting and in a few minutes he was secretary. This year, he serves as one of the organization’s presidents and has helped ESO take a more active role in Student Life events, such as the annual food drive. He has also organized more meetings to involve students in club leadership. Excellent job, Jacob!

Dr. Heather Braun and Dr. Kelly Whiddon, faculty advisors of our student literary magazine, The Fall Line Review, will join us. Shanna Dixon has been a dedicated and extremely organized and efficient editor for our most impressive edition of the Fall Line Review to date. She was responsible for not only promoting the journal but also gathering submissions in all genres, and leading the selection and placement of content materials. She accomplished all of this while ensuring deadlines were met. She is the biggest reason for the success and superior quality of this year’s journal. Thank you, Shanna!

Ms. Loleta Sartin, Mr. Lane Brooks and, Ms. Nancy Greene, advisors of Future Educators of Macon State, recognized Christina Hanselman for her leadership. She stands out among her peers and is recognized for her service and professionalism. Christina helped organize and facilitate several successful club sponsored events including “Principal Interview Day” and two learning festivals. Christina embodies the qualities of a leader by her commitment to seeing tasks to fruition. Congratulations, Christina!

The next leadership award was presented to Linda Conner by Ms. Charlotte McCuen, advisor of Future Health Information Professionals. Linda has led the FHIP club this year. Her enthusiasm is obvious in all that she does. Linda has provided leadership during fundraising, Student Life’s canned food drive and also helped provide toys to underprivileged children. She’s also been involved in the club’s t-shirt design. Thank you, Linda.

Dr. Sheree’ Keith presented the leadership award for the Gay-Straight Student Alliance to this year’s recipient and vice president, Amanda Studebaker. She is one of our most active and organized members. She takes the lead on organizing events and has helped organize our trip to the GLBTQ Conference in Statesboro last fall. Amanda was the main organizer for our Bullying Awareness Event last month. Excellent work, Amanda!

The leadership award for the History Student Organization was presented by its advisor, Dr. Larry Israel. Tracey Baker is currently the president of this organization. The quality of her leadership has improved immensely over the last years, as she has made every effort to involve others in event planning. The HSO, with her leadership, has sponsored some of the most well attended campus lectures ever held at the College. The HSO has two additional lectures planned in April as well as a visit by a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about North Korea. Congratulations, Tracey.

Mr. Johnathan Yerby, who serves as faculty advisor, Dr. Kevin Floyd and Dr. Alex Koohang, present the Information Systems and Security Association leadership award to Charles Garrett. Charles has developed a relationship with the Boys & Girls Club to continue providing IT and Information Security awareness. He has worked with Mr. Yerby to develop and present an ID Theft Prevention seminar. Through his club membership, he has partnered with the Mentors Project of Bibb County to help combat homelessness and poverty in Macon. Thank you, Charles.

Dr. Eric Sun and Dr. Dawn Sherry, as advisors for the International Students and Studies Association, nominated Mary Beth McConnell for the Outstanding Student Leadership Award. Mary Beth has been an enthusiastic and energetic leader of ISSA. Under her direction, students have given four cultural workshops and participated in numerous service projects. She is currently busy planning our biggest event, the annual “International Festival” to be held Saturday, April 21 at 5:00 in the Student Life Center. I am sure Mary Beth invites all of us to attend! Congratulations, Mary Beth!

The leadership award for the Macon State College Association of Healthcare Executive Students will be presented by faculty advisors, Mr. Chris Tsavatewa and Mr. Bill Hervey. Teresa Gregg is an exceptional student leader who has supported the growth and development of our organization during her matriculation at Macon State. She has participated in the Health Expo, college blood drives and community outreach visits. Teresa currently serves on SGA representing the School of Nursing and Health Science. Thank you, Teresa!

Ms. Kay Gatins, faculty advisor, will present the leadership award for the Macon State College Association of Nursing Students. The recipient, Win Bailey, has served as secretary since spring 2011. She has created a continuity binder for her position to pass along to future students who will hold this position. Win has represented Macon State at several leadership events and has earned the American Red Cross Disaster Training Certificate. She has contributed greatly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Drive project. Win has participated in many student activities and embodies the phrase “lead by example.” Thank you, Win!

The leadership award for the Macon State College Association for Respiratory Education was presented by Ms. Teri Miller and Ms. Beth Brown, faculty advisors. Shannon Hill has skillfully served as a very active president of MSCARE. During her tenure, she successfully led a number of community outreach activities, fundraisers and campus initiatives; she has spent countless hours of volunteer time. MSCARE is a better organization thanks to her hard work. Congratulations, Shannon!

For the Macon State College Chamber Singers, Dr. Mary Wearn presented Tacara Gore with the Outstanding Leadership Award. Ms. Rebecca Lanning, the club's faculty advisor, says Tacara has been in the MSC Chamber Singers for four consecutive semesters and has never once missed class, never forgotten her music, always had a pencil, her part and a smile on her lovely face. She has sung on and off campus, in Americus, with folk bands and chamber orchestras. Congratulations, Tacara!

The leadership award for the Marketing Association was presented by faculty advisor, Mr. Charlie Aiken. Mr. Aiken says William “Bill” Meriwether has been a tremendous leader as president. He is actively involved with all events including planning, organizing, recruiting, and taking part in the event itself. He is an outstanding representative of our organization and Macon State. Bill has participated in the Regional High School DECA Competition, Monster Dash and conducted all meetings with utmost professionalism. Congratulations, Bill!

Mr. Lane Brooks and Dr. Shamani Shikwambi, faculty advisors for Men In Education, recognized Mason Behel for his extraordinary leadership. In the club’s first year, Mason worked diligently to create awareness about the organization and its mission by talking to most male students who have indicated Education as a major and those already in the program. His commitment to engage his peers in the growth and development of the organization is leading to measureable success as more male students are attending meetings and engaging in education-related conversation. Thank you, Mason.

Dr. Patrick Brennan and Dr. David Sidore recognized the recipient of the award for MSC-TV. As you would guess from its name, MSC-TV is our own closed-circuit television station. This year, we honor Allison Boutwell who is an outstanding member of the media team. Allison has consistently contributed outstanding content and has played a significant role in the mission of the organization. She is one of the regulars in the Ally & Andy Show and provides outstanding news coverage Excellent job, Allison!

Dr. Mary Mears and Dr. Christian Horton, faculty advisors for Model African Union, presented the leadership award to Frank Dixon. Dr. Mears and Dr. Horton say Frank took the initiative in spearheading fundraisers and selecting movies for our organization. He regularly met with student delegates to help them prepare for the Southeast Model African Union Conference. Thank you, Frank!

Mr. Michael Stewart presented the award from the National Society of Leadership and Success. Ms. Barbara Warren, the club's advisor, nominated Stephanie Hughes for the Outstanding Leadership Award. Stephanie devotes incredible time and energy to the organization. Our group has had a significant increase in membership and student involvement under her leadership. She successfully leads orientation and leadership training, national speaker events and student networking teams. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Dr. Vicki Guarisco, one of the faculty advisors of our Natural Sciences Network, recognized the outstanding work of James Imlay.James has worked diligently to increase the organization’s enrollment and participation in the community. Under his leadership, NSN has participated in the Merit Badge Saturday and the American Red Cross Blood Drive. Thank you, James!

Dr. Mimi Ford presented the Phi Beta Lambda business student organization’s leadership award. This year, she is presenting the organizational award to Stephanie Nauss. With Stephanie serving as president of PBL, the organization received a $2,000 grant from the state PBL organization in recognition of its exemplary community contributions. Under Stephanie’s leadership, successful campaigns to benefit the Ronald McDonald project and March of Dimes Buddy Walk were launched. Last month, PBL competed at South District Competitions and nine Macon State students placed in every event in which they participated. A total of twenty certificates were brought home. Well done!

The leadership award for Powers N Numbers Math Club was presented by faculty advisors, Dr. Steven Wallace and Dr. Charla Baker. This year’s honoree, Rebecca “Ashley” Holliday, who is unable to join us, helped revitalize the club by immediately taking on a leadership role. Her official title is “fundraising coordinator” and she has led two very successful fundraisers. These fundraisers not only earned money for the club and its philanthropy, but also helped promote the club around campus. (No picture available.)

Dr. Matthew Zimmerman presented the leadership award for the Pre-Law Society. In Summer Leverett’s commitment to bring together students interested in pursuing a future in law, she has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice her time and energy for the benefit of both the Pre-Law Society and Macon State College. Summer has organized LSAT study groups, visits to regional law schools and distributed vital information to pre-law students. Thank you, Summer.

Mr. Michael Stewart presented the Psychology Club award for outstanding leadership. According to Dr. David Biek, faculty advisor for the club, Amanda Studebaker is a serious and inquisitive student who possesses a passion for understanding the social world coupled with the leadership skills to act on that understanding. She has amply demonstrated these skills through her work in founding our club. It was no surprise that she was nominated for and then elected president. In its first operational semester, the club has 30 members and several events. All of this can be attributed to Amanda’s strong leadership and organizational skills. Congratulations, Amanda.

As you all know, Macon State is now a residential campus. Ms. Keigan Evans and Dr. Chris Summerlin, professional staff of our Office of Residence Life, are therefore pleased to present the Resident Student Association leadership award to Christian Stokes. Christian helped coordinate RSA Snack Attack in October 2011, which gave students a break and a chance to refuel after midterms. She also helped coordinate RSA Week in November 2011 which included a Bowling Night, an RSA Birthday Party, and a trip to AmStar movie theater. Christian was a representative for RSA at the Georgia Residence Hall Organization conference in January. She was pivotal in coordinating RSA’s tree planting campus event last month. RSA truly benefits from her involvement and her leadership. Excellent job, Christian!

Ms. Yolanda Petty and Mr. Kevin Johnson, advisors of our chapter of the Student African American Brotherhood or SAAB, presented the next award to  Herman Driskell, III, who readily accepts the challenge to be “his brother’s keeper.” Herman actively ensures that SAAB is involved in both campus and community activities. He has represented the Macon State College Chapter of SAAB at the Northeast High School, Southwest High School and SAAB Leadership/Advisors Team Strategic Planning meeting. Herman exemplifies our motto: “I am my brother’s keeper and together we will rise!” Thank you, Herman!

Faculty advisor Mr. Michael Stewart presented the Student Government Association leadership award to Summer Leverett, president. Summer has consistently demonstrated the characteristics of an exceptional leader, especially this year. She has represented SGA and Macon State at the Student Advisory Council with the Board of Regents, served on the Student Affairs committee and the Student Conduct Board. Summer was instrumental in developing SGA’s Campus Conversations which were designed to provide students a forum to share and discuss issues and concerns. Thank you, Summer!

Ms. Laureen Lowman is advisor to Student Veterans of Macon State College. She presented the leadership award to Kathleen Waits. She assumed the presidency last fall and represented Macon State at the Student Veterans of America National Conference in Nevada. She also chaired a very successful Toys for Tots campaign on the Warner Robins campus. She was featured in a March 12th Macon Telegraph article written by Ed Grisamore. Thank you, Kathleen, for an important job well done!

Dr. Mary Wearn will present the next award, on behalf of Women’s Studies Association’s faculty advisor Dr. Monica Young-Zook who is unable to be here today. Leia Bray assumed leadership of our organization this semester. She is motivated to engage the world on behalf of women and has been active both on campus and off with the Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event. Leia is intelligent, dedicated and an inspiration to her club members. Leia, thank you for your hard work.

The leadership award for the Baseball Club was presented by advisors, Dr. Chris Summerlin, and Mr. Harley Miller to J.P. Mitchell, president of the club. J.P. is receiving this award as he is a recognized leader on the Macon State campus. J.P. has recruited new players and organized practices, games and team travel. He has also led multiple home games and volunteer work days for the baseball field and local baseball camps. Congratulations, J.P.!

Mr. Harley Miller and Dr. Shamani Shikwambi, advisors of the Basketball Club, presented its award to Joseph McAllister. Joseph shows leadership on and off the court. He shows initiative and is always looking for ways to improve team spirit. He led the team in points and rebounding for the 2011-2012 season in which they won five games. Thank you, Joseph.

Mr. Harley Miller, advisor for the Cheer Club, presented its leadership award to Melissa Middlebrooks. Melissa was an officer for our organization this year and will be both captain and president next year. She has lead cheer events and community service projects this year. Thank you, Melissa!

The leadership award for the Dance Club was presented by Mr. Harley Miller, on behalf of faculty advisor, Dr. Laura Thomason who was unable to attend. This year’s nominee is Minwoo Kim who is an energetic and well liked leader for our new dance club. Minwoo has attended and participated in nearly every club meeting and activity so far. He also enjoyed a night of dancing at Macon State’s Spring Formal last month. Congratulations, Minwoo!

Dr. Whitney Elmore, faculty advisor for the Macon State College Skindivers, presented its leadership award to Cayle Bales. Dr. Elmore is recognizing Cayle in honor of her superior leadership and dedication to community service as president of the club. As president, she leads the club in securing and organizing campus and community service opportunities for members. She also acts as lead event coordinator for fundraising campaigns and plans official club trips. Excellent job, Cayle.

Mr. Harley Miller presented the award for the Rugby Club to Jeffrey “Billy” Stephens. As the president of the club, Billy has organized practices and recruited new members. He has also organized teams for tournaments and actively volunteers in the community. Thank you, Billy.

Mr. Chris Tsavatewa, Mr. Harley Miller, and Dr. Francisco Lopez, advisors for the Soccer Club, recognized the exceptional leadership of vice-president and secretary, Marvin “Spencer" Taylor. Spencer has recruited new members and assisted in organizing practices and games. He has also organized team volunteers for on campus events. Congratulations, Spencer!

Dr. David Sidore, Mr. Harley Miller, and Dr. Chris Hornung presented the next leadership award for the Society for Overactive Imaginations to Kimberly Folsom. Kimberly is an active member of the club’s monthly meetings. She has helped organize gaming sessions on Saturdays and has also recruited new members. Thank you, Kimberly.

Mr. Harley Miller presented the leadership award for the Softball Club. Lindsey Williamson is the vice-president and recruits members and schedules practice times. She has successfully led volunteer efforts and organized events on campus and throughout the community. Congratulations, Lindsey.

Suei Huang earned the Table Tennis Club award for student leadership. She was instrumental in the establishment of the club and has organized meetings and practice times while successfully recruiting new members. Congratulations, Suei. (No picture available.)

Mr. Harley Miller presents the leadership award for the Tennis Club to Lonnie Castellano. Lonnie organizes practices, matches and tournaments, including the Georgia State tournament hosted on our campus. She provided leadership to the team as the vice-president and organized volunteers for community and on campus events. Thank you, Lonnie.

Dr. Jeff Stewart and Mr. Michael Stewart presented the Office of Student Affairs Exemplary Leadership and Service Award.

Her commitment to her community is illustrated by her active participation in numerous campus governance organizations such as the Student Affairs Committee and the Student Conduct Board. She serves as a student representative to the Faculty Senate. She’s the president of our Pre-Law Association, our Model African Union and our Student Government Association She worked with The Macon Statement and is an award-winning member of our Honors Program. She was selected to represent students on the Macon State-Middle Georgia College Consolidation committee.

This student has led a series of events, entitled Campus Conversations, in which students were encouraged to meet with campus administrators to develop positive relationships. She also spearheaded the development of an online SGA Consolidation Feedback Form which allowed students to ask questions about the consolidation with Middle Georgia College.

The student selected for the Office of Student Affairs Exemplary Service Award for 2012 is Summer Leverett. Thank you, Summer!

last updated April 19, 2012