Awards and Recognitions Bestowed on Faculty and Staff
Charlotte, N.C./March 7, 2023 – Johnson C. Smith University hosted its annual Grantsmanship Awards on Tuesday, a celebration that featured the presentation of awards and a keynote speech by JCSU’s longest-serving faculty member.
The event was also the 25th anniversary of the first Grantsmanship Awards at JCSU.
“Congratulations to all the grantees,” said President Clarence D. Armbrister. “It’s remarkable what has transpired here over the last 25 years and it is all thanks to the hard work of all of you.”
The awards are hosted by Government Sponsored Programs and Research (GSPAR) with special presentations from the Office of Institutional Advancement and a performance from the JCSU Repertory Dance Company.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Ruth Greene, the O’Herron Distinguished Professor of Psychology, whose career at JCSU spans more than 40 years.
Greene has a long history of grantsmanship at the University, something she’d promised Dr. Wilbert Greenfield, the 10th president of JCSU, she’d dedicate herself to.
“I have kept my promise to Dr. Greenfield that I would spend my life working as a teacher, scholar and grantsman,” she said. “You can imagine how excited I am to be here as we honor the faculty and staff who are doing just as I have.”
Several awards were presented during the ceremony to honor these dedicated Smithites.
Dr. Thanh-Thuy Nguyen and Jennifer Joyner received the Rising Star Awards, and Dr. Helen Caldwell and Dr. Cheryl Curtis received the Grantsperson of the Year Awards.
Brandon Lunsford was the recipient of the GSPAR Gold Jacket, which is conferred to individuals who are exceptional in their handling of their grant funds.
Dr. Diane Bowles, the vice president of GSPAR, was presented with flowers and a special award for her years of service in her department. The award was presented by current and former staff, one of whom shared powerful remarks on her mentorship.
“There is no doubt that Dr. Bowles is an agent of change who has contributed to the fiscal health of this University,” said Dr. Jonathan Smalls, who worked at JCSU for nearly nine years alongside Bowles.
Attention was turned to the many faculty and staff who received Grantsmanship Incentive Awards. They are:
Dr. Lucinda Blue
Dr. Matthew DeForrest
Jennifer Joyner
Dr. Kendall Mobley
Dr. Cheryl Curtis
Dr. Mark Dugo
Dr. Vijaya Gompa
Dr. Brian Patterson
Dr. Thanh-Thuy Nguyen
Dr. Helen Caldwell
Dr. Melvin Herring
Mattie Marshall
Dr. Harriett Richard
Dr. Robert Lindsey
Dr. Jennifer Lee
Dr. Antonia Mead
Dr. Douglas Cooper
Dr. Felesia A. Stukes
Dr. Sabina Otienoburu
Dr. Karen Butler
Magdalyn Lowe-Smith
Dr. Marian Jones
Tierra Parsons
Dr. Sunil Gupta
Dr. John Banniester
Brandon Lunsford
Dr. Ahmad Faik
Dr. Surydip Chakraborty
Dr. Anita Bledsoe-Gardner
Dr. Awatif Amin
Dr. Timothy Champion
Dr. Alexa von Dohlen
Erna Perkins-Jones
