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Description:
Recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in organizations, initiatives, or campus life, inspiring others through their vision and service. This award honors students whose leadership has uplifted and empowered Black students and communities, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment on campus.

Nomination Criteria:

• Evidence of leadership roles in student organizations or initiatives that promote Black student engagement and empowerment.
• Initiatives or programs that have addressed issues pertinent to Black students and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and mobilize others toward positive change.

Description:
Honors students whose sustained commitment to serving others strengthens communities at ���ϲ����� and beyond. This award celebrates students whose service efforts have specifically supported Black communities, addressed systemic challenges and/or promoted social justice and equity.

Nomination Criteria:

• Participation in service projects or organizations that directly benefit Black communities.
• Leadership in initiatives that address racial disparities and promote inclusivity.
• Evidence of sustained engagement and impact through service activities.

Description:
Celebrates students who have excelled in study abroad or global learning, deepening intercultural understanding and awareness. This award recognizes students who have engaged in global experiences that have enhanced their understanding of Black diasporic cultures and fostered cross-cultural solidarity.

Nomination Criteria:

• Participation in study abroad or global learning programs with a focus on Black diasporic cultures or communities.
• Engagement in activities that promote intercultural understanding and respect for Black identities.
• Reflection on how global experiences have informed and enriched their perspectives on race and identity.

Description:
Honors students who contribute to the creation of new knowledge through research or creative activity. This award recognizes students whose research has advanced understanding of issues affecting Black communities, contributing to academic discourse and social change.

Nomination Criteria:

• Completion of research projects that address topics pertinent to Black communities and experiences.
• Demonstrated scholarly inquiry into racial justice, equity, or Black cultural studies.
• Presentation or publication of research findings that contribute to broader societal understanding.

Description:
Recognizes students whose professional internships demonstrate exceptional performance, impact, and the ability to connect classroom learning with workplace success. This award celebrates students whose internships have involved work that supports or advocates for Black communities, promoting diversity and inclusion in professional settings.

Nomination Criteria:

• Internship experiences with organizations that serve or advocate for Black communities.
• Demonstrated impact through projects or initiatives that promote racial equity and inclusion.
• Reflection on how the internship experience has influenced their professional development and commitment to social justice.

Purpose:
Named in honor of Dr. Glenda Phillips-Hightower, ���ϲ�����’s first full-time Black student, this award celebrates first-year or sophomore students who embody her resilience, vision, and determination in the face of challenges. Dr. Phillips-Hightower’s pursuit of education during a time of limited support and isolation paved the way for future generations. Recipients of this award honor her trailblazing spirit by demonstrating perseverance, uplifting others through mentorship and advocacy, and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the ���ϲ����� community.

Purpose:
Named in honor of Eugene Perry, ���ϲ�����’s first Black graduate, this award recognizes juniors and seniors who embody Mr. Perry’s perseverance, courage, and trailblazing spirit. Perry’s determination to complete his degree during a time of limited representation stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and possibility. Recipients of this award honor his legacy by breaking barriers, excelling in their pursuits, and creating opportunities for others, especially in spaces where Black voices and leadership have been historically underrepresented.

Purpose:
Established by the Black Student Union (BSU), this award honors the legacy of Ms. Janice Ratliff, a former BSU advisor and longtime staff member whose dedication to Black student advocacy and community building left a lasting impact at ���ϲ�����. The award recognizes a staff member whose mentorship, advocacy, and service reflect Ms. Ratliff’s commitment to uplifting and empowering Black students, fostering an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired.

Purpose:
Established by the Black Student Union (BSU), this award honors the legacy of Dr. Wilhelmina Boyd, Associate Professor Emerita of English and founder of ���ϲ�����’s African & African American Studies (AAASE) program. The award recognizes a faculty member who embodies her dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Recipients reflect Dr. Boyd’s impact through their scholarly achievements and meaningful contributions to service initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to the values she championed within the AAASE program and the broader ���ϲ����� community.

Purpose:
These awards honor a student, a campus organization, and a university department that have made a meaningful impact on the Black student experience and the broader ���ϲ����� community. They honor leadership, empowerment, and a commitment to inclusion and equity, recognizing individuals and groups who uplift Black voices and create environments of belonging, connection, and opportunity that positively impact the broader campus community.

Purpose:
This award honors students who demonstrate creativity and innovation in advancing Black wellness, equity, and success. Recipients are recognized for developing ideas, initiatives, or approaches that positively impact the Black student experience, promote inclusion and opportunity, and strengthen the broader campus community. Honorees exemplify originality, problem-solving, and the ability to create meaningful change that supports the well-being, advancement, and visibility of Black communities on campus.

Purpose:
This award honors students who demonstrate leadership and excellence in artistic expression such as music, dance, visual arts, spoken word, or other creative forms, while enriching the Black student experience. Recipients are recognized for their vision, creativity, and initiative in amplifying Black cultural expression and fostering community on campus. The award celebrates students whose artistic contributions inspire, uplift, and engage others, building spaces of pride, connection, and visibility for Black students and communities.

President’s List: Awarded to students completing at least 12 semester hours with no grade below an A-minus.

Dean’s List: Awarded to students completing at least 12 semester hours with a GPA of 3.50 or higher and no grade below a B-minus.

• Graduating senior status with a minor in African & African American Studies, maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.2 in the minor.
• Demonstrated commitment to African & African American Studies through academic coursework, scholarly pursuits, and active involvement in student activities and leadership roles.
• Engagement in citizenship and community involvement, evidenced through participation in service-learning initiatives, internships, or similar endeavors.
• Cultivation of global and multicultural awareness, such as through study abroad experiences focused on Black communities in regions like Africa or the Caribbean.
• Clearly articulated career, professional, or academic aspirations post-graduation that indicate a dedication to utilizing African & African American Studies, including pursuits like enrollment in graduate programs in relevant fields or service in organizations like the Peace Corps, with assignments pertinent to African or African American contexts.