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Making Things Better

It’s our priority here at Clayton State to make dreams real for our students. But that goal cannot happen without the support of our faculty, staff, and even our students.

To that end, we believe it is important to recognize the great work of individuals who make a difference each day on campus and in the community.

The Presidential “Making Things Better” Award is the President’s way of saying thank you—we know that success should be rewarded and inspire others to do greater.

Nominations of individuals or groups of people among Clayton State faculty, staff and students are accepted in the fall semester. Winners are announced at an annual ceremony. Six $500 awards are given annually, generously funded by the Clayton State University Foundation.

Making Things Better event will be held on November 9, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to make a nomination?  Any member of the Clayton State community may make a nomination.

Who is eligible to be nominated?  An eligible nominee can be an individual faculty or staff*, departments, or student organizations**.

Any nominee (whether an individual or a group) is eligible for only one $500 award per annual award cycle. Nominees may be made in multiple years; however, winners of the President’s “Making Things Better” Awards are excluded from the award for the next two award cycles.

*Members of the President’s Cabinet are not eligible for nomination.

** Departments, Areas, Organizations and Groups.

Winners selected will be comprised of the following:

  • Two faculty
  • Two staff
  • Two departments or organizations

What is being recognized?  The goal is to recognize great work performed at Clayton State University that goes above and beyond to make things better, reinforcing our belief in the institution as a supportive community.

Be it a single instance or event, or work over several years, or even an entire career—these individuals are recognized for their achievements and efforts that make a difference in the lives of people at Clayton State, and/or the communities we serve.

How do I make a nomination?   Nominations are made online. The nomination should indicate the reasons why the nominee(s) is/are worthy of this recognition, and provide evidence, including specific examples, to support those reasons beyond their typical daily job responsibilities and expectations.

What’s the deadline for nominations?  Nominations may be made this year until the deadline of October 20, 2020.   

Who reviews the nominations?  A review committee is appointed by the President, based on recommendations made by the President’s Extended Cabinet.

When are award recipients announced?  Award recipients will be announced on November 9, 2020.

How may the awards be used?  The awards may be used by recipients as they choose, without restriction. Each winning nominee will also receive a commemorative item that embodies what the “Making Things Better” Awards recognize.

Previous Winners

Fall 2020

Faculty
Dr. Derrick Vanmeter
Dr. Jill Lane

Staff
Brian Roberts
Rita Basile

Organizations/Departments
Campus Information & Visitor Services
Center for Excellence in Learning & Teaching


Fall 2019

Faculty
Dr. Carin Lightner-Laws
Dr. Erica Dotson

Staff
Yelonda Settles
Alicia Myrick

Organizations/Departments
Clayton State Internet Radio
Clayton State University Film Society


 

Fall 2018

Faculty
Dr. Abigail Kolb
Dr. Mark Daddona

Staff
Keesha White
Mary Riley

Organizations/Departments
Center for Academic Success
Center for Advising and Retention


Fall 2017

Faculty
Dr. Joshua Meddaugh
Ms. Jillian Jones

Staff
Jeri Trenova
Donna Taffar

Organizations/Departments
Alpha Phi Omega
Public Safety Patrollers


Spring 2017

Faculty
Dr. Antoinette Miller
Dr. Tatiana Krivosheev

Staff
Dolores Cox
Sandra Starr

Organizations/Departments
Center for Instructional Development
Office of Career Services


Spring 2016

Faculty
Dr. J. Celeste Walley-Jean
Dr. Debra Cody

Staff
Ruth Scandrett
Deborah Carey

Organizations/Departments
AmeriCorps
Student Activities Center


Fall 2014

Faculty
Judith Ogden 
Scott Bailey

Staff
Atawanna Royal
Celena Milner

Organizations/Departments
Orientation and New Student Programs
First-Year Advising and Retention Center


Spring 2014

Faculty
John Campbell
Jim Braun

Staff
Leslie Moore 
Karen Blackburn

Organizations/Departments
Laker Angels
Department of Campus Life