Student Affairs

Black & Gold Leadership Awards

The purpose of the Black & Gold Leadership Awards is to recognize the outstanding leadership and achievements of Appalachian State University’s student organizations, student leaders, and club advisors. The awards ceremony was hosted by Campus Activities and Club Council, the governing and advocacy body for student clubs and organizations. This event took place on Wednesday, April 9th in the Plemmons Student Union.

Congratulations again to all our Black & Gold Leadership Award winners!  We had a wonderful time celebrating students, faculty and staff this past Wednesday!  Pictures from the event can be found HERE!!  The award winners are listed below:

Collaboration Award

• CEL Civic Literacy Team, SGA, APPS, Club Council for Part at the Polls

Community Impact Award

• Alpha Tau Omega
• Ice Hockey Club

Outstanding Educational Program

• Japanese Culture Club

Membership Development Award

• Forensic Science Club

Outside the Box Award

• Graduate Student Government Association

Appalachian Image Award

• App Builds a Home

Leaders in Action Award

• College Democrats of Appalachian State

Best New Student Organization Award

• Global Medical Brigades

Outstanding Organization Award - Club Sport

• Women's Ultimate Club

Outstanding Organization Award - FSL

• Zeta Tau Alpha

Outstanding Organization Award - General Clubs

• App State Geek Guild

Outstanding Organization Award - Department Affiliated Org

• Residence Hall Association (RHA)

Student Organization of the Year

• Gamma Iota Sigma

Unsung Champion Award

• Zac Moreno (Appalachian Popular Programming Society)

Rising Star Award

• Jesus Sisniega-Serrano (Latin Hispanic Alliance)

Outstanding Achievement Award

• Mia Acosta-Nicholson (Latin Hispanic Alliance)
• Kaylee Taylor (Kappa Alpha Pi, Pre-Law and Government Fraternity)

Commitment to Justice Award

• Nicole Tran (Student Government Association)

Spirit of Service Award

• Shane Johnson (National Residence Hall Honorary)

Dr. Jim Street Award for Outstanding Presidential Leadership

• Ethan Wittig (Student Builders Association)

Outstanding Advisor Award

• Danni Capps (Hospitality & Tourism Management)
• Kayla Engel (Residence Hall Association)

Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student

• Natalee Jamerson, Campus Activities
• Kaleigh Del Greco, Community-Engaged Leadership

Bobby L. Dunnigan Outstanding Service Award

• Megan Taylor, University Recreation
• Megan Gilmore, Plemmons Student Union

Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award

• Jake Jenson
• Margaret-Ann Littauer
• Kam Smith
• Jaden Hatcher
• Kaylee Greene

W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion

• JP Neri
• Kathryn Long
• Amarah Din
• Savannah Raley
• Misty Mayfield - staff
• Dr. Rita Joyner - faculty
• Dr. Heather Jo Mashburn - SA educator

Civic Literacy Fellows

In August, the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership hired 12 Civic Literacy Student Fellows as part of the greater Civic Literacy Initiative. These fellows play a vital role in building an informed, active, participatory student body through peer engagement and campus collaboration. Since their start, the fellows have been instrumental in fostering civic engagement and education across campus. Despite many challenges, including Hurricane Helene, the fellows were dedicated to engaging students in democracy this fall. Here are some of their highlights:

• 57 Civic Literacy presentations were scheduled for class, organization, and staff meetings across campus. Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, 35 in-person presentations were successfully delivered to 642 participants, and the remaining 22 groups were provided a pre-recorded presentation.
• 40 tabling sessions facilitated by the Civic Literacy Fellows focused on voter education and registration, promotion of Civic Literacy, and post-election engagement
• They successfully updated voter registration information for 200+ students between August 12th and October 11th
• Party at the Polls: This program, geared towards promoting and celebrating early voting, was a collaboration between Community-Engaged Leadership, Campus Activities, Student Government Association, Club Council, and Young People's Alliance with 400+ students in attendance

Additionally, we strongly believe that the work of the Civic Literacy Initiative has directly benefited students and our campus community. The following are reflections shared from our fellows:

• “For me, this position has been my first jump into the world of nonpartisanship. Focusing on education and voter engagement with other passionate people has been so rewarding and refreshing.”
• “Working with the Civic Literacy Fellows has been so inspiring, seeing my peers' passion for voting and civic engagement, huge voter turnout on campus, and enthusiasm around learning about the impact of your vote.”

We also believe that increased civic literacy and engagement on campus contributed to a well-rounded student experience. This is demonstrated in the following reflections shared from our fellows:

• “I have learned what it looks like to have a dialogue surrounding civics and realize that no matter how different we are, we all pull from the same values that make us human.”
• “I have learned life-long lessons on communication through this work. The ability to communicate across difference with others is useful and needed for all parts of life”

The Civic Literacy Fellows are looking forward to continuing their work and engaging students in civic education, post-general election. Be on the lookout for an updated list of events and programs for Spring 2025!

Spring Alternative Service Experience (ASE) Learning Partners Needed

The office of Community-Engaged Leadership is looking for learning partners for spring break. Learning partners need to be faculty, staff, or graduate assistants. Ideally the learning partner would help as an alternate van driver, handle the program's budget, and provide general support to the students. Let Elayna Coleman know if you're interested and want to discuss further! They are hoping to fill all open learning partner positions by January 13.

The Role of a Learning Partner

Learning Partners primarily assist with responding to issues, supporting the student leaders, and logistics such as budgeting and transportation. Student "peer leaders" have been working to plan spring break programs since September. Now, they are looking for professional staff members to support them in their leadership development, provide valuable perspective to the group, and assist where needed. See the information below for a detailed overview of the role.

2025 Programs

Programs and locations are detailed on the ASE website and listed in brief below. If you are interested in serving, please reach out and let Elayna know which program(s) you would be interested in assisting with:

• The Elephant Sanctuary (Hohenwald, TN), led by Katie Kyer and Dana Lheureux
• Restoration & Exploration at the Coast (Bulls Head Island, SC), led by Devin Axtell and Krista Martinez
• Youth Outreach (Cedartown, GA), led by Malli Mason
• Affordable Housing in Appalachia (Moreshead, KY), led by Fox Neumann and Campbell Butner - this is a first-time ASE program we are excited to offer this year!

If you have any questions or need to set up a call to discuss the role further, please contact Elayna Coleman at [email protected]. Thanks for considering!