On a night reminiscent of Hollywood’s star-studded Oscars presentation, Jackson State University’s annual “One JSU Excellence Awards” heaped praise on winning faculty and staff members for outstanding performance in their disciplines.
Hosted by Rob Jay, executive producer of JSU Sports Media, more than 200 people assembled in the Student Center ballrooms for an unforgettable ceremony Tuesday evening with live entertainment from the JSU Jazz Ensemble, video presentations and audience interviews.
Presenters awarded 12 individuals with statuettes or glass trophies. The winners’ haul also included a cash prize.
Winners were nominated by their peers and selected by their divisional vice presidents.
Award presenters recognized the following winners for their meritorious service:
FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Faculty Excellence Award for Research: Dr. Jacqueline Stevens, associate professor in the Department of Biology of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (presenter: Dr. Robert Luckett)
Faculty Excellence Award for Leadership/Service: Donald R. McWilliams, CPA and instructor in the Department of Accounting in the College of Business (presenter: Janieth Adams)
Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching: Dr. Joan Marshall Wesley, associate professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Public Service (presenter: Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony)
STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Exemplary Achievement and Performance: Dr. Donna Antoine LaVigne, principal investigator in the Community Outreach Center of the School of Public Health (presenter: Dr. Nicholas Hill)
Outstanding Education Support/Initiative and Creativity: Dr. Clifton Addison, senior research scientist in the School of Public Health (presenter: Dr. Luis Almeida)
Excellence in Customer Service/Personal Interaction: Dr. Shonda Allen, associate director in the Department of Chemistry of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (presenter: Dr. Glenda Windfield)
PROFESSIONALISM AWARDS
Jackie Nash, administrative assistant in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (presenter: Dr. Gauri Bhattacharya)
Charles Rush, federal work study payroll coordinator in the Division of Business and Finance (presenter: Almesha Campbell)
Keith Riley, academic adviser for JSU Online in Enrollment Management (presenter: Dr. Wilbur Walters)
Dr. Michael Robinson, director of computing and communications in the Division of Information Technology (presenter: Coach Tony Hughes)
Illiad Kelly, manager of grants and contracts in the Division of Research and Federal Relations (presenter: Dr. Mark Henderson)
Carol Woodson, director of events in the Division of Institutional Advancement (presenter: Dr. Ricardo Brown)
OTHER NOMINEES
Dr. Sarah Buxbaum, School of Public Health
Dr. Helen Chukwuma, College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Jie Ke, College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Okechykwu D. Anyamela, College of Business
Dr. Gloria Billingsley, College of Public Service
Rhonda Cooper, College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Jessica L. Murphy, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Dr. Carlos D. Wilson, College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Candis Pizzetta, College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Tracy Harris, College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Gloria Miller, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Dr. Henry Thomas, College of Business
Dr. Jung Hye Sung Lee, School of Public Health
Wayne Goodwin, Division of Business and Finance
Dr. Eunice Harris, College of Public Service
Dr. Brenda Campbell, School of Public Health
Sophia Williams, Division of Business and Finance
Eunetta Hart, College of Public Service
Candilyn Tenner, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
The Excellence Awards was started by JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers in 2011. The program recognizes exemplary work performance at the institution.
This year’s program was chaired by Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs.
For a recap of the event, view EXCELLENCE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY.
