Students, faculty recognized at Coastal Carolina
Kerry Dittmeier of Myrtle Beach, a public health major, is the recipient of the University Distinguished Undergraduate Student award. She has received numerous awards for her scholastic achievements, including the University Scholar Award, the President's Scholar Award and the Honors Excellence Award. She holds membership in the honor societies Phi Eta Sigma, Eta Sigma Gamma, and the National Society for Leadership and Success. Dittmeier is a Swain Scholar and has presented her research at multiple conferences throughout her college career. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in public health with a concentration in global health. Dittmeier received a $500 gift as part of the award.
Wes Fondren, associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication, Media and Culture, was named Distinguished Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed by students on a "caring and dynamic faculty member who is always available to help students learn." Fondren received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Alabama, a Master of Divinity from Samford University and a Ph.D. in communication and information science. He joined the CCU faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor of communciation.
Frankie Weeks was named Distinguished Adviser of the Year by students. She has been a member of the CCU faculty since 2007 and has worked in various offices across campus. She is the lead academic adviser for the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Some of her duties include planning and coordinating adviser training sessions, developing and implementing initiatives to improve student academic success, and assessing collegewide efforts in advising and retention.
Departmental awards were also presented to students in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the academic quality of their respective departments.
Candidates were nominated by department faculty.
E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration:
Accounting - John Patterson, Hemingway, S.C.
Economics (B.S.B.A.) - Heather Williams, Nutley, N.J.
Finance - Marissa Green, Conway, S.C.
Hospitality, Resort and Tourism Management- Xueling Lin, Conway, S.C.
Management - Geoffrey Guyette, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Marketing - Tracey Geary, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Master of Accountancy - Alexander Khokhlov, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Master of Business Administration - Kyla van Graan, Pretoria, South Africa
Spadoni College of Education:
Early Childhood Education - Hannah Eells, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Elementary Education - Nelda Glaze, Surfside, S.C.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science - Delanie Sage, Surfside Beach, S.C.
Master of Education, Educational Leadership - Nathaniel Marshall, Florence, S.C.
Master of Education, Learning and Teaching - NyRhonda Nixon, Georgetown, S.C.
Middle Level Education - Francesca Donio, Buena, N.J.
Physical Education - Robbi Winfield, Sumter, S.C.
Special Education - Jessica Partin, Conway, S.C.
Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts:
Art Studio - Haley Smith, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Communication - Carlianne Lindsey Hanks, Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Dramatic Arts - Megan Seier, Breinigsville, Pa.
English - Ashley Canter, Surfside Beach, S.C.
Graphic Design - Theresa Calabrese, Meriden, Conn.
History - Michael Jones, North Charleston, S.C.
Intelligence and National Security Studies - Benjamin Malone, Conway, S.C.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies - Michael Mistler, Hillsboro, Mo.
Master of Arts in Writing - Chelsea Thomas, Conway, S.C.
Music - Whitney Daniels, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Philosophy - Kaitlyn Powalie, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Political Science - Rachael Houston, Little River, S.C.
Theatre Arts - Emily Peiffer, Allentown, Pa.
College of Science:
Biology - Christopher Logan Pierpont, Richmond, Va.
Biochemistry - Breana Wilson, Oliver Springs, Tenn.
Chemistry - Nehemiah Stafford, Fleetwood, N.C.
Computer Science - Stephen Penton, Conway, S.C.
Exercise and Sport Science - Emma Kroger, Germantown, Ohio
Health Administration - Pamela Thompson, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Information Systems - Max Williams, Pawleys Island, S.C.
Information Technology - Ketron Belin, Pamplico, S.C.
Marine Science - Brooke Anderson, New Market, Md.
Master of Science in Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies - Kristen Trevey, Conway, S.C.
Mathematics - Rachel Wagner, Great Falls, Va.
Physics - Shawn Scialabba, Lugoff, S.C.
Psychology - Olivia Campbell, Fort Mill, S.C.
Public Health - Kerry Dittmeier, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Recreation and Sport Management - Miranda Gatto, Chesapeake Beach, Md.
Sociology - Avery Noel, Galivants Ferry, S.C.
University College:
Interdisciplinary Studies
Anna Borinski - Cherry Hill, N.J.