(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - June 5, 2017) - - - Columbia State Community College recently held its 20th annual Employees' Honors and Awards Convocation, recognizing those who have excelled in their service to the school and reached service milestones, as well as those who are retiring.

Shane Hall, instructor of English, emceed the event and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, presented the awards.

The 2017 Distinguished Faculty Award went to Brittany Seybert, assistant professor of English. Seybert earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Virginia's College at Wise before earning her master's in English from East Tennessee State University. She has been employed with Columbia State since 2011.

The 2017 Outstanding Professional Staff Award was presented to Glenna Winters, professional and instructional development specialist. Winters earned her associate degree in general technology at Columbia State before earning her bachelor's degree in professional and instructional development from Ashford University. Winters has been employed with Columbia State since 2000.

The recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Support Staff Award was Diane Davis, secretary for the Office of Access and Diversity. Davis earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Columbia State and a bachelor's degree in management and human relations from Trevecca Nazarene University. Davis has been employed with Columbia State since 2012.

The final award of the event was the President's Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon a Columbia State employee, which was presented by Smith to Dr. Glenn Hudson, associate professor of mathematics. Hudson earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Georgia College and his master's degree and doctorate in physics from Auburn University. Hudson has taught at the college since 2007.

Announcing the award, Smith acknowledged Hudson's dedication to the college, students and the community.

In nominating Hudson for the award, his peers wrote, "He exceeds all expectation of a faculty member and representative of the college in the community…He is a great example of someone who has looked for opportunities that make our college and community a better place… He has achieved many things in life and has achieved many things for the sake and future of Columbia State… His contributions have increased learning in and out of the classroom, enhanced teaching and promoted community outreach."

Service awards were also given to employees who have completed a specific number of years of employment, beginning with a 5-year designation. Those recognized for 30 years of service included Joni Lenig, associate vice president of faculty, curriculum and programs; and Kay Lutterell, information technology computer programmer analyst.

Among the retirees were Kathy Breeden, library director (1983); Dr. James Senefeld, professor of English (1985); Marilyn Hart, associate professor of nursing (1998); Shirley Harper, Williamson Campus secretary (1999); Max Westmoreland, mail courier and member of facility services (2002); Jayne Halter, help desk/administrative coordinator for the Office of Information Technology (2005); Dr. Glenn Hudson, associate professor of mathematics (2007); and Dr. Margaret D. Smith, Columbia State executive vice president - provost.

Photo Caption: President's Medal winner, Glenn Hudson, associate professor of mathematics.

Photo Caption: Brittany Seybert, assistant professor of English, was presented with the 2017 Distinguished Faculty Award.

Photo Caption: Glenna Winters, Office of Instructional Support professional and instructional development specialist, was presented the 2017 Outstanding Professional Staff Award.

Photo Caption: Diane Davis, secretary for the Office of Access and Diversity, was presented the 2017 Outstanding Support Staff Award.

Photo Caption: Kim Gooch, accounts payable clerk, was present the Sunshine Award.

Photo Caption: Brett Seybert, grants and prospect research development officer for the Office of Advancement, was awarded the Rock Star Rookie Award.

Photo Caption: Andrew Wright, assistant professor of mathematics, was presented the Spirit Award.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Dr. Christa Martin, assistant to the president for access and diversity, and Kellie Gwin, Office of Enrollment Services processing clerk, were presented with the Volunteer Award.

Photo Caption: Wanda Moore, Records Office lead worker, was presented the High-Five Award.

Photo Caption: The Office of Student Leadership was presented the Grand Slam Award. Pictured: Cady Denton, President's Leadership Society and Student Government Association coordinator.

Photo Caption: Receiving 30-year service awards were Joni Lenig, associate vice president of faculty, curriculum and programs; and Kay Lutterell, information technology computer programmer analyst. (Pictured): Lenig.

Photo Caption: Receiving 25-year service awards were (pictured, left to right): Dr. Stuart Lenig, professor of communications and drama; Dr. Louise Katz, professor of psychology; Dr. Susan Russell, professor of nursing; Kelly Stinnett, administrative secretary for the Office of Faculty, Curriculum and Programs; Ralph Walker, Williamson Campus director of student and facility services; and Freda Werner, STM Division secretary.

Photo Caption: David Fawcett, associate professor of physics and mathematics, received a 20-year service award.

Photo Caption: Receiving 15-year service awards were (pictured, left to right): Kenneth "Bo" Bollinger, theater and event services coordinator; Shelley Manns, associate professor of English and assistant director of learning support; and Max Westmoreland, mail courier.

Photo Caption: Receiving 10-year service awards were (pictured, left to right): Daniel Devers, associate professor of computer information systems; Tom Hallquist, assistant professor of communications; Dr. Glenn Hudson, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. David Cauthen, program director and associate professor of EMT; Melanie Hines, account clerk for business services; Matt Lewis, Lewisburg Campus site coordinator; and Michael Sztapka, enrollment recruiter.

Photo Caption: Receiving 5-year service awards were (Row one, pictured, left to right): Jolene Gairrett, coordinator of enrollment services processes; Bridget Goodnight, women's basketball coach; Marilee Gorta, assistant professor of mathematics; Yolanda Ogilvie, testing services coordinator; Theresa Sharp, secretary for the Office of Economic and Workforce Development; and Judith Westley, assistant professor of English. (Row two, pictured, left to right): Molly Cochran, development officer of alumni/community relations and events for the Office of Advancement; Alan Fisher, associate professor of computer information systems; Chris Henson, development officer and fund development for the Office of Advancement; Dale Hobbs, assistant professor of mathematics; and Bill Williams, electronic media technician. Not Pictured: Adam Brasher, custodial lead worker for the Clifton Campus; Frank Miceli, program director and associate professor of criminal justice; and Robert Thym, instructor of English.

Photo Caption: 5-year service awards continued (Pictured, left to right): Johnny Littrell, athletic director; and Lori Retherford, women's softball coach.

Photo Caption: Employees who retired during the 2016-2017 academic year were given a special gift in recognition of their years of service to the college. (Pictured, left to right): Shirley Harper, Williamson Campus secretary; Marilyn Hart, associate professor of nursing; Dr. Margaret D. Smith, executive vice president - provost; Dr. Glenn Hudson, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. James Senefeld, professor of English; and Max Westmoreland, mail courier. Not pictured: Kathy Breeden, library director; and Jayne Halter, help desk/administrative coordinator for the Office of Information Technology.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

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