Alice Smith Staff Award Nominees Announced

Clayton State University has announced the five finalists for the University’s 2008 Alice Smith Staff Award. They are: Kathy Garrison; from the Center for Academic Success, Mary Alice Gladin; from the School of Business, Sandy Haught; from Plant Operations, Vicky Stewart; from the School of Nursing; and from Administrative Systems, Celeste Wade.

Clayton State’s 2008 Alice J. Smith Awards, for both faculty and staff, will be presented at Clayton State’s Faculty/Staff Awards Ceremony on Apr. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Spivey Hall. An annual event since 1995, the Smith Awards are presented to the faculty member and staff member ranked most outstanding as determined by committees of their peers. The two, $1000 awards were established by local philanthropist Joseph Smith in honor of his wife, Alice. The winners of both categories will be announced at the Apr. 30 ceremonies.

Garrison is completing her 20th year at Clayton State University. Currently she is the assistant director of the Center for Academic Success in which she oversees peer tutoring and supplemental instruction programs. Garrison earned a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from North Georgia College.

Garrison lives with her husband and two children in Social Circle. She enjoys traveling and camping with her family, attending sporting events, and participating with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or her church youth group.

“It is such an honor to be nominated, much less a finalist. It is just overwhelming to believe that my colleagues feel that I am worthy of such an honor,” she says.

Gladin has worked as the administrative assistant in Clayton State University’s School of Business since 2004.

“Being nominated is a very humbling experience because I feel the least qualified of all the candidates and I just sincerely enjoy being a small part of Clayton State. The faculty and staff here are an inspiration to me each day. I'm truly blessed that they allow me to have a part of their lives,” she says.

After 36 years dedicated to International Paper, Gladin retired in 1998 only to come out of retirement in 2001 when she began part time work as the evening secretary for the School of Business. She grew up in Rome, Ga., but has lived in Jonesboro with her husband since 1969. They have two children and two granddaughters. She enjoys bowling and golfing with her husband, reading, and watching the Braves.

Haught, from Selma, Ala., and now living in Griffin, Ga., has been a part of Clayton State’s Plant Operations since 1989. As the business manager, she works closely with the Director of Plant Operations on all projects, including contracts and pay requests for architects and contractors. She interacts with all departments on campus and enjoys working at Clayton State because of the people and its surroundings.

“This award is a great honor and to be nominated by my peers means so much to me,” she says.

When Haught is not spending time with her family, she enjoys working in the yard and spending time with her family and their black Lab, Levi. Haught and her husband have been married for 39 years and they have one son and an eight month old grandson.

As the administrative coordinator for the School of Nursing, Stewart enjoys many aspects of her work. She described it as including enough variety to keep things interesting and says that the Dean and faculty of the School of Nursing are an energetic group. She has been a part of the Clayton State staff for 13 years and gladly refers to her fellow co-workers as her extended family.

“For me, to be considered, let alone nominated by your peers for such an award is an honor and humbling experience,” she says.
Stewart received a certificate in accounting from North Georgia Technical College, graduating with honors. She is married with one child and resides with her family in Griffin, Ga. When she isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, gardening and interior decorating.

In 1995, Wade began working in Plant Operations as a clerk and in 1999 moved to Administrative Systems to work as an analyst. Since 2005 she has also provided IT support for the accounts receivable side of Banner and PeopleSoft Financials as part of the Budget & Finance Office.

“Being nominated for the Alice Smith Award was a surprise and an honor. Everyone around me has always made me feel so appreciated,” expresses Wade.

Wade enjoys her job for many reasons, namely the outstanding people with whom she works with, the challenge of her job, and the opportunity to learn and grow.

Wade earned her certificate in Information Technology in 2004 from Clayton State. She lives in Locust Grove and has two daughters. She enjoys getting together with her sister and extended family.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.