Student Academic Awards

Awards are granted annually to outstanding university students from all disciplines during a ceremony each spring.

College of Business and Technology

• Department of Applied Computing
  • Mathematics or Computing and Engineering Dual-Degree CIS Engineering Award
    Given annually by the mathematics and computing faculty to an outstanding student majoring in computer information systems or mathematics and intending to earn a degree from Lander University and an engineering degree from Clemson University. The recipient should be in the final year of study at Lander University prior to matriculating to Clemson University. The selection is based on grade point average and potential for success in the field of engineering.
  • CIS Networking Discipline Award
    Given annually by the discipline faculty to an upperclassman majoring in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Networking who has completed at least 60 hours overall, including upper-level computer information systems courses. The selection is based on grade point average in the major and promise in the major.
  • CIS Software Development Discipline Award
    Given annually by the discipline faculty to an upperclassman majoring in computer information systems with an emphasis in software development who has completed at least 60 hours overall, including upper-level computer information systems courses.  The selection is based on grade point average in the major and promise in the major.
  • Computing Dual Engineering Award
    Given by the computing faculty to an outstanding student majoring in computer information systems and intending to earn a degree from Lander University and an engineering degree from Clemson University. The recipient should be in the final year of study at Lander University prior to matriculating to Clemson University. The selection is based on grade point average and potential for success in the field of engineering.
  • Cybersecurity Discipline Award
    Given annually by the discipline faculty to an upperclassman majoring in Cybersecurity who has completed at least 60 hours overall including upper-level courses in the discipline, The selection is based on grade point average in the major and promise in the major.
  • Computing and Engineering Dual-Degree Award
    Given annually by the computing faculty to an outstanding student majoring in computer information systems and intending to earn a degree from Lander University and an engineering degree from Clemson University. The recipient should be in the final year of study at Lander University prior to matriculating to Clemson University. The selection is based on grade point average and potential for success in the field of engineering.
  • Data Science Discipline Award
    Given annually by the discipline faculty to an upperclassman majoring in Data Science, regardless of emphasis, who has completed at least 60 credit hours, including upper-level courses in the discipline. Selection is based on grade point average in the major and demonstrated promise in the field.
  • Dr. Chaz Schlindwein Award
    Granted to the student or students who give the top Computing Capstone presentation during the Academic Symposium as determined by the faculty and judges present. The award honors Professor Charles Schlindwein for his excellence in research and his ongoing contributions to both disciplines and to Lander University throughout his life. This award is only given to outstanding presentations and may not be awarded every year.
• School of Business
  • Accounting Discipline Award
    Given annually by the accounting faculty to the most outstanding student in accounting who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have an accounting concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Discipline Award
    Given annually by the business faculty to the most outstanding student majoring in BAS who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must major in BAS, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • Entrepreneurship Discipline Award
    Given annually by the business faculty to the most outstanding student majoring in entrepreneurship who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must major in entrepreneurship, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • Financial Services Discipline Award
    Given annually by the finance/economics faculty to the most outstanding student majoring in finance/economics who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have a finance/economics concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and  must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • General Management Discipline Award
    Given annually by the management faculty to the most outstanding student majoring in general management who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have a general management concentration, must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony, and must have a 3.0 GPA or above.
  • Healthcare Management Discipline Award
    Given annually by the healthcare management faculty to the most outstanding student in healthcare management who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have a healthcare management concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • Hospitality Management Discipline Award
    Given annually by the hospitality management faculty to the most outstanding student in hospitality management who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have a hospitality management concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • IT Management Discipline Award
    Given annually by the IT management faculty to the most outstanding student in IT management who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have an IT management concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above, and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
  • Marketing Discipline Award
    Given annually by the marketing faculty to the most outstanding student majoring in marketing who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must major in marketing, must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony, and must have a 3.0 GPA or above.
  • Sport Management Discipline Award
    Given annually by the sport management faculty to the most outstanding student in sport management who exhibits high academic achievement and promise of a successful career in business. The recipient must have a sport management concentration, must have a 3.0 GPA or above and must be expected to graduate within the academic year of the award ceremony.
• Department of Media and Design
  • Audio Drama Award for Experiential Learning
    Given annually to a student member of the Audio Drama Club who has shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and talent. This student also exhibits high academic achievement and the potential for a successful career in audio or voice-over production.
  • Forum Award for Experiential Learning
    Awarded to an intern on the Forum newspaper staff who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and excellence in journalism. This student exhibits high academic achievement and the potential for a successful career in journalism or media writing.
  • Graphic Design Award
    Given annually by the design faculty to a graphic design student who demonstrates exceptional growth and skill in graphic design.
  • LUX Experiential Learning Award
    Awarded to LUX content producers or team members who demonstrate excellence in teamwork, creativity, and skilled craft. This student exhibits high academic achievement and the potential for a successful career in video production.
  • Media and Communication Discipline Award
    Given annually by the media and communication faculty to the most outstanding senior majoring in media and communication as evidenced by high academic achievement, leadership, and promise in the field of media and communication. The recipient must be expected to graduate within one calendar year of the award ceremony.
  • XLR award for Experiential Learning
    Given annually by the media faculty to the student who best demonstrates outstanding performances with audio in and outside of the XLR studio and whose values match those of XLR professional standards, as evidenced by character traits, audio techniques, and projects.

College of Education

• Department of Teacher Education
  • Early Childhood Education Discipline Award
    Given annually by the education faculty to the graduating senior majoring in early childhood education who best exemplifies academic achievement, moral character, professionalism, and exemplary teaching ability.
  • Elementary Education Discipline Award
    Given annually by the education faculty to the graduating senior majoring in elementary education who best exemplifies academic achievement, moral character, professionalism, and exemplary teaching ability.
  • Graduate Education Award
    Given annually by the graduate education faculty to an outstanding graduate who best exemplifies professional leadership in the areas of teaching, contributions to the profession and school community and preferred dispositions of the professional educator.
  • P-12 and Secondary Education Discipline Award
    Given annually by the education faculty to the graduating senior majoring in secondary education, art education, or music education, who best exemplifies academic achievement, moral character, professionalism and exemplary teaching ability.
  • Special Education Discipline Graduate Award
    Given annually by the education faculty to the graduating senior majoring in special education who best exemplifies academic achievement, moral character, professionalism, and exemplary teaching ability.
  • Special Education Graduate Award
    Given annually by the education faculty to the graduating graduate student in a special education initial certification program who best exemplifies academic achievement, moral character, professionalism, and exemplary teaching ability.

College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

• Margaret M. Bryant Award (humanities)
  Named in honor of its donor, this award is given annually by the humanities faculty to a senior majoring in a humanities discipline who plans to enroll in graduate school and who will represent Lander University well. The award includes a monetary gift.
• Dean’s Awards
  The Dean’s Awards are given to those students that best embody the values of liberal arts education through pursuit of learning through coursework, off-campus experiences, outside-of-the-classroom engagement, and seek to take advantage of all that Lander University offers.  These students embody academic excellence, but the risks taken by experimentation in coursework, challenges through submission of work for external review, semesters away, or high-profile internships mean that the GPA is not the most important factor in selection.  Recipients are chosen by the Dean in consultation with Department Chairs.
• Department of Art
  • Art Education Award
    Given by the visual art faculty to a student who exhibits a passion for teaching, and exceptional growth and skill in teacher education.
  • Art Discipline Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to the most outstanding major in art. The recipient must exhibit high academic achievement, leadership, and promise in the field of art education, or any of the studio disciplines.
  • Ceramics Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a ceramics student who demonstrates exceptional growth and skill in ceramics.
  • Foundations Award in Art
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a first-year art major who best demonstrates growth, ambition, positivity, critical thinking, and problem solving in one or more foundations courses.
  • Leadership in Art Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and integrity in and out of class.
  • Master of Fine Arts Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to an exceptional student in their year of graduation with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. The recipient must exhibit high academic achievement, collegiality, and leadership in the MFA program and in the department.
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Visual Arts Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to an exceptional student in their year of graduation with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Visual Art (K-12) degree. The recipient must exhibit high academic achievement as well as excellence in teaching.
  • Painting Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a painting student who demonstrates exceptional growth and skill in painting.
  • Photography Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a photography student who demonstrates exceptional growth and skill in photography.
  • Sculpture Award
    Given by the visual arts faculty to a sculpture student who demonstrates exceptional growth and skill in sculpture.
• Department of Communication and Languages
  • Alliance Française Medal (French)
    Established by the Greenwood Chapter of the Alliance Française, this award is presented annually to a distinguished student of French.
  • Creative Writing Award
    Given by the humanities faculty and student editors of New Voices to the student who writes the best work of creative writing published in New Voices: Lander University’s Student Journal.
  • Dessie Dean Pitts Humanities Award
    Named in honor of Lander alumna Dessie Dean Pitts, this award is given by the humanities faculty and student editors of New Voices to the student who writes the best work of nonfiction published in New Voices: Lander University’s Student Journal.
  • English Discipline Award
    Given by the English faculty to an outstanding student of English based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline.
  • French Discipline Award
    Given by the French faculty to an outstanding student of French based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline.
  • New Voices Art Award
    Given by the humanities faculty and student editors of New Voices to the student who creates the strongest piece of art work published in New Voices, Lander University’s literary journal.
  • Spanish Discipline Award
    Given by the Spanish faculty to an outstanding student of Spanish based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline.
  • Speech and Performance Award for Experiential Learning
    Given to a student who has shown outstanding creative initiative in the areas of speech and/or performance. This student exhibits high academic achievement and demonstrates professional standards in the fields of speech and/or performance.
• Department of Government, Criminology, and Sociology
  • Alan Jones Award (political science)
    Named in honor of a former international visiting professor, this award is given by the political science faculty to the junior or senior majoring in political science who has demonstrated the most outstanding promise entering the program.
  • Carson Criminology Discipline Award
    Given by the faculty of the Department of Government, Criminology, and Sociology to an outstanding undergraduate student of criminology based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline. This award is named after Linda Carson, Professor Emerita of Criminology and Sociology.
  • Display of Outstanding Sociological Imagination Award (sociology)
    Given by the sociology faculty to one or more sociology majors who amply demonstrated potential for success in graduate school.
  • Emergency Management Discipline Award
    Given by the Emergency Management faculty to a graduating student in the M.S. in Emergency Management program who exhibits high academic achievement and a promise of a successful career in emergency management.
  • International Studies Discipline Award
    Given by the faculty of the Department of Government, Criminology, and Sociology to the student who exhibits high academic achievement and a promise of a successful career in international studies.
  • Non-Profit Management Award
    Given by the faculty of the Department of Government, Criminology, and Sociology to an outstanding student who exhibits high academic achievement and promise for a successful career in non-profit management.
  • Political Science Discipline Award
    Given by the political science faculty to the graduating senior majoring in political science with the highest cumulative grade point average.
  • Public Administration Award
    Given by the faculty of the Department of Government, Criminology, and Sociology to an outstanding student of public administration based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline.
  • Sociology Discipline Award
    Given by the sociology faculty to the graduating senior majoring in sociology with the highest cumulative grade point average.
• Department of History and Philosophy
  • Art History Award
    Given by the art history faculty to a student who has made the study of art history a part of their own artistic practice and exhibits high academic achievement.
  • Barbara A. Jackson Award (history)
    Named in honor of a former Lander first lady, this award is given by the history faculty to the senior history major who wrote the best senior thesis.
  • History Discipline Award
    Given by the history faculty to the graduating senior majoring in history with the highest cumulative grade point average.
  • Philosophy Discipline Award
    Given by the philosophy faculty to an outstanding student of philosophy based on scholarship and on dedication to the discipline.
• Department of Music
  • Ann Mason Hutto Choral Award
    This award was established in 1983 by Ann Hutto, professor of voice, theory, and choral ensembles, who served at Lander from 1953 until her retirement in 1988. Professor Hutto wished to recognize outstanding vocal talent and choral leadership among the student members of University Singers and Old Main Singers.
  • Music Discipline Award
    Given by the music faculty to the most outstanding junior or senior music major in recognition of high academic achievement, quality contributions to the music program, artistry, and commitment to the disciplines. The recipient must be a full-time student.
  • Spirit of Singers Award
    This award was established in 1983 by Ann Mason Hutto, professor of voice, theory, and choral ensembles, who served at Lander from 1953 until her retirement in 1988. Professor Hutto wished to recognize a student member of University Singers and Old Main Singers who embraces the choral experiences with enthusiasm and whose spirit inspires fellow choir members.
  • Turner Music Award
    Established in 1973 by Gladys Winchester Turner, a 1954 alumna. This award is given annually by the music faculty to a senior majoring in music who has maintained a high scholastic standing and has demonstrated the potential for making an outstanding contribution to the field of music education, performance, or music-related work.
• Department of Psychological Science and Human Services
  • Departmental Service Award for Psychology and Human Services
    Given by the psychology and human services faculty to one or more psychology majors who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in service activities for the department, university, or professional community.
  • Human Services Discipline Award
    Given by the faculty of the Department of Psychological Science and Human Services to the student who exhibits high academic achievement and a promise of a successful career in human services.
  • Outstanding Initiative in Experiential Learning in Psychology Award
    Given by the psychology faculty to one or more psychology majors who has demonstrated outstanding initiative in identifying and successfully completing a field placement or internship experience in an innovative, prestigious, or atypical setting.
  • Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award (psychology)
    Given by the psychology faculty to one or more psychology majors who demonstrated outstanding ability in conducting an independent research project.
  • Psychology Discipline Award
    Given by the psychology faculty to the graduating senior majoring in psychology with the highest cumulative grade point average.
• Department of Military Science and Leadership
  • Colonel James A. Lander Award (military science)
    Given by the faculty Lander’s Army ROTC program, this award is given to the outstanding senior cadet who has demonstrated moral character, high military and general academic standing, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Walter Roark Award (military science)
    Given by the faculty Lander’s Army ROTC program, this award is given to the junior cadet who has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in military science and in overall academic studies who also exemplifies high qualities of leadership, devotion to duty, and patriotism.

College of Nursing, Human Performance and Health Sciences

College of Science and Mathematics

• Lander Science Scholar Awards
  Given annually by the faculty of the Department of Biology and the Department of Physical Sciences to up to four freshman and upper classmen among the most promising science majors, who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
• Department of Biology
  • Biology Discipline Award
    Given annually by the biology faculty to the most outstanding senior in biology as evidenced by high academic achievement as well as promise of an exemplary career in biology, medicine, or a related field. The recipient must be a biology major expected to graduate within the calendar year of the award ceremony. At the time of graduation, the recipient must have completed at least 60 hours, including 20 hours in biology, at Lander.
  • Nell Henry Award (biology)
    Established by Gwendolyn Burton Caldwell to honor a student possessing the qualities of character and achievement exemplified by Professor Nell Henry. This award is given annually to a rising senior woman (or a man if no woman fits the criteria during that year) majoring in biology who has a grade point average of at least 3.5 in science, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, and high potential for future scholastic achievement and contributions to the field of biology. The recipient receives a monetary award as well as the Nell Henry Award gold pin.
• Department of Mathematics
  • Calculus Achievement Award
    Given by the mathematics faculty to the most outstanding Calculus student(s) as evidenced by academic achievement in the sequence. Preference will be given to students who have completed Calculus I, II, and III at Lander.
  • Mathematics Discipline Award
    Given annually to an upperclassman majoring in mathematics who has completed at least 60 hours overall, including upper-level mathematics courses. The selection is based on grade point average and promise in the major.
  • Mathematics Dual Engineering Award
    Given by the mathematics faculty to an outstanding student majoring in mathematics and intending to earn a degree from Lander University and an engineering degree from Clemson University. The recipient should be in the final year of study at Lander University prior to matriculating to Clemson University. The selection is based on grade point average and potential for success in the field of engineering.
  • Mathematics Education, Secondary Certification Award
    Given annually to an upperclassman majoring in Secondary Education Mathematics who has completed at least 60 hours overall, including upper-level mathematics courses. The selection is based on grade point average and promise in the major.
• Department of Physical Sciences
  • Chemistry and Engineering Dual Degree Award
    Given annually by the chemistry faculty to the upperclassman majoring in chemistry and engineering with the highest cumulative grade point average above 2.8. Freshmen are considered if there are no qualifying upperclassman.
  • Chemistry Discipline Award
    Given annually by the chemistry faculty to the senior majoring in chemistry with the highest cumulative grade point average above 2.8. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Chemistry Education, Secondary Certification Award
    Given annually by the chemistry faculty to the senior majoring in chemistry education, secondary certification, with the highest cumulative grade point average above 2.8. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Chemistry, Forensic Science Award
    Given annually by the chemistry faculty to the senior majoring in chemistry, with a concentration in forensic science, with the highest cumulative grade point average above 2.8. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Chemistry, Health Sciences Award
    Given annually by the chemistry faculty to the senior majoring in chemistry, with a concentration in health sciences, with the highest cumulative grade point average above 2.8. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Environmental Science Discipline Award
    Given annually by the environmental science faculty to an outstanding graduating senior majoring in environmental science. Criteria for selection are excellent academic accomplishments as indicated by the cumulative grade point average and promise of an exemplary future career reflected by service to the discipline or community. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Environmental Science, Forensic Science Award
    Given annually by the environmental science faculty to an outstanding graduating senior majoring in environmental science, with a concentration in forensic science. Criteria for selection are excellent academic accomplishments as indicated by the cumulative grade point average and promise of an exemplary future career reflected by service to the discipline or community. Juniors are considered if there are no qualifying seniors.
  • Physics Discipline Award
    Given annually by the physics faculty to the introductory physics students with the most outstanding achievements.