Columbus State University announced today the winner of the inaugural Ed Helton Servant Leadership Scholarship. The award was presented virtually to Carter Whiddon during The Forum, which is being hosted virtually by The Leadership Institute at CSU this week. The Leadership Institute and CSU established the scholarship in honor of the leadership and guidance from CSU Chief of Staff Ed Helton over the years, as well as his service and dedication to The Forum.

“Carter’s friendly demeanor and willingness to work late into the night are among the many reasons he is so deserving of the honor,” said Jessica Drake, CSU’s Director of Marketing and The Forum. “We are delighted to continue Ed’s legacy of leadership and dedication through this scholarship.”

Whiddon is a senior in CSU’s Servant Leadership program. He is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Dance. He has volunteered at The Forum for the last three years and has been entrusted to represent the student body, Servant Leadership program and CSU at The Forum’s private reception each year.

“I didn’t expect this at all,” said Whiddon. “I am so thankful that they chose me to be the recipient of this scholarship. It is truly an unexpected and greatly appreciated blessing. Receiving this scholarship has shown me that someone is always watching. Being prompt, treating others kindly, and giving with a servant’s heart goes a long way.”

Each year on the first day of The Forum, the Leadership Institute will award a $2,500 Ed Helton Servant Leadership Scholarship to a student in the William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership program. The recipient will be someone who has volunteered at The Forum and embodied the passion and service Helton has demonstrated over the years. The award accompanies the Blanchard Award for Outstanding Stewardship and Ethics in Business.

“Having a scholarship that furthers CSU's core value of Servant Leadership is an honor that I never could have imagined,” said Helton. “To have my name associated with Jim Blanchard and the William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership is extremely meaningful to me. I will always be indebted to The Leadership Institute and Columbus State University for this scholarship in my name.”