Columbus State University honored 13 students, employees, alumni and community leaders on Wednesday, March 25, with its annual Legacy Awards at its annual Legacy Celebration Banquet. Recipients of these awards (pictured in the accompanying graphic in the following order) were:

Alumni Award

Dr. Tiffany McBride ’08 received the Alumni Award, which is given to a Columbus State graduate who has shown service to the community and/or the university. McBride, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, is recognized as a dedicated campus leader who develops impactful applied-learning experiences. She is also a community leader whose civic portfolio includes serving as president of both the Junior League of Columbus and the Urban League of the River Valley Young Professionals, while also focusing on roles that promote education and reduce poverty among youth and families.

Civic Engagement Award

The Food Mill and The Food Mill Shared Kitchen received the Civic Engagement Award. This award is given to a Columbus-area business or organization that advocates for or promotes diversity and inclusion. As nonprofits, they address food insecurity by intentionally removing barriers related to income, transportation, health outcomes and access—barriers that disproportionately impact underserved communities.

Community Outreach Award

Andy Knap received the Community Outreach Award. It is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership aptitude while embodying a sense of service. Knap is recognized for treating his service as a genuine personal commitment rather than a mere obligation or performative act. The junior from Decatur, Georgia, majoring in history embodies integrity, compassion, and dependability, demonstrating core values such as empathy, accountability, and dedication. His devoted approach to service enhances every organization he influences, and he motivates his colleagues to participate more actively in their leadership development.

Cultural Impact Award

Jameer Bradley received the Cultural Impact Award, introduced and awarded for the first time this year. It honors a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to celebrating, uplifting and contributing to cultural awareness and engagement at Columbus State. As a campus student leader and a senior from Newnan, Georgia, majoring in sociology, Bradley represents Columbus State’s culture while upholding and exemplifying the standards of what it means to embrace campus life and culture from a student’s perspective.

Faith-Based & Humanitarian Award

Michael Campbell received the Faith-Based & Humanitarian Award. It is presented to an individual recognized for building strong, faith-based communities, breaking down religious barriers and seeking common ground with others despite apparent differences. Campbell, a junior from Smithville, Georgia, majoring in kinesiology, is known for exemplifying a life guided by faith, compassion and a genuine concern for humanity. His character reflects core values of servant leadership, kindness and creating an inclusive environment where others feel recognized and accepted.

John Townsend Achievement Award

The John Townsend Achievement Award is bestowed on the undergraduate male and female students of African American descent with the highest GPA. It is named after CSU’s first African American student alumnus, Dr. John Townsend, who, after graduating in 1965, devoted 38 years to teaching and school leadership in the Clark County (Georgia) School District. This year’s recipients include Tymere Britt, a senior from Lawrenceville, Georgia, majoring in criminal justice, and Micaiah Byrd of Byron, Georgia, a senior majoring in theatre.

Kiongozi Award for Outstanding International Leadership

Joy Mwanja received the Kiongozi Award for Outstanding International Leadership. Modeling “kiongozi,” or “leadership” in Swahili, the Center for Global Engagement bestows this honor on a graduating international student who has demonstrated campus involvement and academic leadership. Mwanja, a graduate student from Kampala, Uganda, majoring in cybersecurity, is honored for her contributions to internationalizing the campus and enriching the lives of those she meets.

Lavender Alliance Award

Avery Hammond received the Lavender Alliance Award, which honors an LGBTQ+ student, supporter, ally or friend who has made meaningful contributions, provided significant support, advanced a cause, or offered backing within the LGBTQ+ community. As a sophomore from Jefferson, Georgia, majoring in health science, Hammond is a committed advocate who regularly utilizes his leadership skills and personal insights to support and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals. His deep understanding of the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ students guides his leadership, allowing him to advocate with genuine empathy, authenticity, and compassion.

Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award

Dr. Dan Rose was honored with the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award, which recognizes university employees for their leadership and service. Rose’s leadership extends beyond titles or organizational charts and is evident through his presence. As director of the Counseling Center, he manages complex clinical operations, supervises professional staff and mentors numerous counseling interns with a steady hand, openness and deep empathy. Many emerging professionals see him as the person who helped them establish their footing in the field—demonstrating ethical practice, providing thoughtful supervision and exemplifying what it truly means to support others with empathy and respect.

Trailblazer Award

Mary Holmes was honored with the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes alumni who leave a legacy by fostering an equitable campus environment through leadership, community engagement and service. She is widely recognized for improving both our campus and the Columbus communities. As an information commons assistant at the Simon Schwob Memorial Library, she has dedicated over 25 years to Columbus State and has also served at the Columbus Public Library. In all her roles, she has demonstrated a strong passion for promoting African American history and advocating for a fair workplace for everyone. 

W.D. Feeney Award

Mariah Washington received the W.D. Feeney Award. Like the 2013 Columbus State alumnus and former university employee for whom the award is named, Washington is known for her strong commitment to helping fellow students overcome challenges related to their disabilities. She has notably volunteered to support students with disabilities in classes she has already completed and to help her peers access their courses using necessary technology. Washington is a graduate student from Conyers, Georgia, majoring in cybersecurity.

Women’s Leadership Award

Malaysia Lockett received the Women’s Leadership Award. It represents leadership and advocacy that support female causes for which the award is given. Lockett, a senior from Swainsboro, Georgia, majoring in health science, consistently demonstrates inclusive, servant leadership that empowers women, builds campus community and exemplifies academic and personal excellence. Through her campus leadership in various organizations, she has inspired women to lead with confidence and purpose.

The event also featured keynote speaker T. Dallas Smith, a leading minority real estate executive and business owner. Smith, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based T. Dallas Smith & Company, and a University System of Georgia regent, spoke to students about creating their own legacies in the communities where they study and will eventually live and lead professionally.

Except where awards are bestowed by specific university units, the Office of Student Life & Development receives award nominations from numerous sources. A committee of university employees selects award recipients from among those nominations.

Photos from the event are available for download from the university’s Flickr account.