CofC Staff Celebrated at Annual Salute to Student Affairs Awards
The hardworking and dedicated staff members of the College of Charleston Division of Student Affairs were celebrated and recognized at the 17th annual Salute to Student Affairs division awards program on Aug. 7, 2026.
The hardworking and dedicated staff members of the College of Charleston Division of Student Affairs were celebrated and recognized at the 17th annual Salute to Student Affairs division awards program on Aug. 7, 2026.
“This celebration recognizes the division staff’s unwavering commitment and tireless efforts put forth to enhance the student experience,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president of student affairs, adding that this annual event celebrates the passion and collaborative spirit that strengthen our College of Charleston community.
Held in the School of Education Alumni Center, the ceremony began with a warm welcome from President Andrew T. Hsu, followed by remarks from Caudill, who shared one of her favorite quotes:
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
– Nelson Henderson
“Certainly, this is so true for the work we do,” Caudill said. “We never know what advice, act of kindness, appropriate challenge or response of care sparks something in a student which helps them to grow and to further find their true purpose. But, I assure you, you are planting these seeds every single day.”
One seed the division nurtured was guest speaker Alexandra Helfgott ’19, who earned a master’s degree in public policy and global affairs from the Jackson School of Global Affairs at Yale University and has returned to the College to teach in the Department of International Studies and the Department of Hispanic Studies this fall.
Helfgott shared her appreciation for all that the student affairs staff did for her and her peers when she was a student.
And, with that, the 2026 Salute to Student Affairs division awards were announced, starting with Vern Phillips, grounds manager, and his team, who received the Important Campus Partner Award.
“I am so honored to recognize our grounds team as our Important Campus Partner this year,” said Caudill. “The Grounds Team literally plants the trees that we get to sit under, walk under and enjoy.”
The following were also recognized at the 2026 Salute to Student Affairs division awards program.
Silver Pillar Award
This award recognizes an individual who has been with the division for less than three years and has given exemplary service to the division and to the students, making a positive impact on their department, the division and/or the College of Charleston community.
Vishnu Volate ’24
Health Educator in the Office of Student Wellness and Well-being
From the nominator(s):
From the moment this person joined the department, they embraced every opportunity to enhance the student experience. They consistently bring fresh ideas, positive energy and an innovative mindset to their work. Rather than simply maintaining existing programs, they actively seek new ways to engage students and make wellness education relevant, approachable and fun.
One of this person’s greatest strengths is their ability to connect with students. Their warm personality, genuine kindness and approachable nature make them someone who students naturally gravitate toward. They create welcoming spaces where students feel comfortable asking questions, participating in programs and engaging with wellness resources. This person’s positive attitude and sense of humor help break down barriers, making conversations about health and well-being feel accessible and authentic.
Gold Pillar Award
This award is given to an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for three to six years and has exceeded the responsibilities of their position and excelled in service to the division, the College and/or the student affairs profession.
Marcie Wiseman
Executive Director of the Counseling Center
From the nominator(s):
This person is truly an example of someone who is behind the scenes in so many ways, constantly keeping track of student concerns, and many people are unaware of their constant level of engagement and availability to monitor student issues, as well as the restructuring and changes this person has made in the department since their arrival. One example shows that they have actively volunteered to receive text message alerts for every FAST report as well as mental health Clyde the Chatbot alert that comes through so that they can keep an active eye on student issues and offer assistance and guided when needed. This is above and beyond service. They care about students and want to ensure that we all can be educated on how to identify behavioral concerns and feel comfortable sitting down with a student and speaking with them and offering them support and referrals.
Maroon Pillar Award
This award recognizes an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for more than six years and who has consistently gone beyond expectations. This person has been a role model for other staff members and their department. The recipient of this award is dedicated to service, support and collaboration.
Rachael McNamara ’00
Director of the Office of Student Wellness and Well-being
From the nominator(s):
This person continues to go above and beyond to assist students. They are always there for their colleagues and provide them with support and advice as they continue to work at the College and on their professional careers. This person cares about their work and is always striving to improve programming to better align with student interests and needs through data-driven numbers. This person is an amazing mentor and teacher to those in their department, and knows how to navigate difficult conversations with direct kindness and valuable feedback.
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognizes behind-the-scenes individuals who consistently and effectively perform their duties in a manner that enhances the work environment for others. They go above and beyond their job responsibilities to support the mission of their department and the division, yet they seem to never openly seek recognition or credit.
Anna Shirley ’23
Office Manager and Student Support Specialist in the Counseling Center
From the nominator(s):
Despite being early in their career, this person learned their responsibilities with remarkable speed and maturity. Staff quickly came to trust this person’s judgment, reliability and calm demeanor – something that was especially meaningful as our office navigated significant change and worked to rebuild a sense of stability and ease.
Staff know they can count on this person to manage student crises with composure, handle complex logistical challenges with competence and maintain an optimistic outlook no matter what the day brings. They have an extraordinary ability to make others feel supported simply by showing up fully and reliably.
Outstanding Campus Collaboration Award
This award is given to an individual or department that has worked collaboratively with other departments on campus within or outside the division. This individual or department is constantly finding new and innovative ways to work with others outside their department with the goals of providing students with quality service and fostering positive relationships on campus.
Liz Cooper and the Financial Wellness Program
Associate Director for Financial Wellness in the Career Center
From the nominator(s):
This program consistently approaches collaboration with a positive attitude, adjusts programming to best fit the needs of whoever they are working with and is always willing to try something new. This program enthusiastically partnered with the Center for Intentionality to help students understand the psychology of money, including helping them intentionally build financial habits that align with their values and goals. Additional collaborations included with the Office of Student Wellness and Well-being, encouraging students to manifest their future through vision boards and thoughtful future planning. This program frequently seeks ways to connect across campus through various tabling events, as well. Kicking off the start of the year during BEst Fest, this program worked closely with student ambassadors to share financial wellness and department resources with students. It also promoted multiple events from other offices through intentional meetings and information sharing, for example, supporting the Cougar Pantry to collect donations through their events and encouraging us to get involved, as well.
Jeri O. Cabot Award for Challenge and Support
The award – named in honor of longtime Dean of Students Jeri Cabot – is presented to an employee who engages with students through programs and/or individual interactions which show deep respect for students, an ability to navigate difficult conversations and a deep commitment to matching challenge with support needed for student learning and development.
Lynn Smith
Therapist in the Counseling Center
From the nominator(s):
From the beginning, this person demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment. They stepped into a role that required them to sit with students experiencing profound emotional pain, often conducting suicide risk assessments with students.
This person is deeply valued not only for their clinical expertise but for their steady presence, honesty and compassion. They are known for maintaining firm boundaries while simultaneously making themself available when others need guidance or support. Colleagues seek them out because they bring calm to uncertainty and reason to emotionally charged situations.
The person’s work with students is grounded in this same balance of challenge and support. They do not shy away from difficult conversations, whether helping students confront painful patterns, take responsibility for their healing or create plans to keep themselves safe during periods of depression and suicidal ideation. Students know that this person will tell them the truth, believe in their ability to grow and stand beside them as they do the hard work of change.
George Haborak Award for Professional Development
Named in honor of the work of the late George Haborak, former executive vice president for student affairs, this award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in their own personal professional development.
Clarissia Collins
Area Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residence Life
From the nominator(s):
This person demonstrated exceptional dedication to professional development through active participation in regional and national conferences. Additionally, this person consistently seeks knowledge through monthly professional development webinars. Their ongoing learning directly informs their leadership of hall directors, to whom they provide monthly development sessions focused on leadership growth, career readiness and the next steps in their professional journeys.
This person’s professional development is not only personal; it is deeply impactful. They have supported residential students through mental and emotional crises with compassion, skill and professionalism. They also created a meaningful student staff recognition event to honor desk assistants and resident assistants for their contributions, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and excellence.
Victor K. Wilson Service to Students Award
This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a student-centered approach of advocacy and empowerment to provide exemplary service to College of Charleston students. This award may also be given to someone who consistently inspires individuals or student organizations to go beyond normal expectations to accomplish goals, institute change or make a difference.
Carolina Chaves
Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residence Life
From the nominator(s):
One of this person’s greatest strengths is their ability to transform everyday interactions into meaningful developmental opportunities. Through student conduct meetings, mediations and one-on-one conversations, they encourage students to reflect on their actions, consider the impact they have on others and identify ways to contribute positively to their community. Rather than viewing conduct as punitive, this person approaches these conversations as opportunities for learning and personal growth.
This person’s commitment to student empowerment is also evident through the programs and experiences they create. They intentionally design educational and social opportunities that encourage students to engage with one another, build community and expand their understanding of important topics. By showing up, participating and connecting with students outside of formal administrative interactions, this person cultivates relationships that help students feel seen, valued and supported.
Denny Ciganovic Putting Happiness to Work Award
Named in honor of the late Denny Ciganovic, who served as the director of the Career Center for 23 years, this award recognizes those who exemplify Ciganovic’s qualities of infectious joy and genuine connection; empathy and making others feel seen and valued; supportive and enthusiastic mentoring; and commitment to inclusion, good governance and leading by example.
Kara Peterson
Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Facilities and Operations in the Office of Student Life
From the nominator(s):
This person embodies the spirit of joy and connection in their work daily. I have the privilege not only of collaborating with them but also of sharing an office building with them. This person has a smile on their face every day, regardless of what is happening around them, and I highly admire their positivity and ability to spread happiness amongst others. Additionally, they are dedicated to mentoring students. This person takes a great deal of care in connecting with students individually, supporting their professional development and building their time with this person into something valuable that they can apply to their own interests and personal goals.
This person’s mentorship of their lead student employee is inspiring; there is genuine thought and care put into training, developing students’ skills, preparing them for the professional world after graduation and fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship. This person isn’t only interested in supporting students while they are here, but also in building a foundation on which they can continue to build after graduating and throughout the rest of their lives.
Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award
This recognition is presented to a higher performer who consistently goes above and beyond both in the division and in the greater campus community.
Bucky Buchanan ’08
Director of Campus Recreation Services
From Alicia Caudill:
For student affairs, Bucky is a strong leader, a strong servant and a strong administrator. He engages with students, manages staff and facilities, does a lot of budgeting and assessment work, and you can even find him out there mowing the lawn for our recreation fields. He’s known as a go-to across campus for getting things done, all while being positive, innovative and kind.
