Geoff Clement, an assistant professor of mathematics in the Division of Science and Mathematics, received the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Teaching Excellence. Van McGriff, senior secretary in ABAC's Division of Humanities, received the Roy R. Jackson, Sr. Award for Staff Excellence. Mike Chason, Director of Public Relations at ABAC, received the E. Lanier Carson Leadership Award for College Administrators. Rebecca Arnold, assistant professor in the Division of Nursing, received the Excellence in Advising Award.
A native of Hartford, Conn., Clement began his teaching career in the Fulton County School System. He holds an M.Ed. degree in Math Education from Georgia State University and a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Emory University. Clement came to ABAC in 1995 as an instructor of mathematics. He also advises pre-med and pre-dentistry students. Active both on campus and in the community, Clement enjoys working with students to help them become successful. In recognition of this award, Clement received a plaque and a check for $2,500 from the ABAC Foundation.
McGriff began her employment at ABAC in 1985 and has held the same position for 17 years. She is highly respected by her division as well as the entire ABAC campus. Some words of praise McGriff received in the nominations for this award included the following: "She has been the quiet, strong force that has held us together and helped keep us an active and visible part of the campus and the community," and "She is, without a doubt, the single most valuable person in the division." In recognition of this award, McGriff received a plaque and a check for $1,250 from the ABAC Foundation.
Chason's association with ABAC began in 1979 when he became the Director of Public Relations. The Office of Public Relations handles all contact with the media that concerns the college, including requests from radio, television, and print reporters. Chason also runs the advertising campaign for student recruitment, creating and voicing ads on the radio and television as well as writing copy for newspaper and magazine ads.
Chason coordinates such events as the ABAC exhibit at the Sunbelt Ag Expo and the three Open Campus Day sessions. In addition, he serves as moderator for the Cordell Lecture Series and is involved in many other areas of college, Northside Baptist Church, and community life. In recognition of this award, Chason received a plaque and a check for $1,250 from the ABAC Foundation.
Arnold joined the ABAC faculty in 1996 and has served as an academic advisor for six years. One of her advisees stated the following about Arnold: "You make your students feel welcome and as if they receive your full attention. Thank you for your caring attitude toward your advisees and for making advising a priority. You are indeed an excellent advisor." This award was initiated as a way to recognize and reward exemplary advising and to promote growth and development as an academic advisor. Arnold will attend the annual meeting of the National Academic Advising Association in Salt Lake City, Utah, in September.
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