The Coastal Carolina University Office for Advancement and Alumni Engagement has announced its Outstanding Alumnus of the Year recipients. Robbie Jordan has been posthumously named the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, while Brantay Cohens is the Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year. Cohens received his award during CCU’s men’s basketball game on Jan. 28, while Jordan will be recognized at CCU’s baseball game on April 18, where his family will accept the award on his behalf.

Candidates nominated for the alumni awards are chosen by a steering committee consisting of the University’s college deans. Criteria for the annual awards include loyalty to CCU, record of service and accomplishments, and demonstration of positive attributes.

Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree in business from CCU in 1990. Prior to his death in October 2021, he served as the director of finance for Horry County Government. He previously worked with Georgetown County School District and Georgetown Kraft Credit Union. Jordan was an elder at Georgetown Presbyterian Church and the president of the Georgetown High School Booster Club.

“We are extremely proud to recognize Robbie with this award,” said Diane Sanders, CCU’s vice president for advancement and alumni engagement. “He was known for his love for Coastal and his passion for giving back to his community. We look forward to celebrating his legacy with his wonderful family this spring.”

Jordan was a standout member of the Chanticleer baseball team from 1987-1990. As a first baseman, he was named to the All-Big South Conference Team and conference all-tournament team in 1988. In 1989, he led the Chants in doubles with 12; and in 1987, he led the team with 60 runs batted in and tied for the most homeruns with seven.

Cohens has earned three degrees from CCU’s Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences (SCESS): a bachelor’s in middle level education in 2014, a Master of Education in learning and teaching in 2016, and a Master of Education in educational leadership in 2019. Cohens serves his alma mater as a member of the SCESS board of visitors and the Alumni Association board of directors. He also volunteers at many University alumni events.

“Brantay Cohens is a Chanticleer through and through,” said Sanders. “From serving on various CCU boards to returning to campus to attend countless events, he is always willing to support his alma mater. The commitment Brantay has for his profession and teaching young students is commendable. He truly represents what it means to be a dedicated member of Teal Nation.”

Since April 2015, Cohens has taught seventh grade mathematics at Ocean Bay Middle School in Myrtle Beach, S.C. During the 2017-2018 academic year, he was named the school’s teacher of the year and was a top 10 semifinalist for Horry County Schools’ teacher of the year. Cohens also is a Student Council cosponsor, Junior Beta Club sponsor, and lead algebra teacher. He serves as the secretary for the South Carolina Council for Teachers of Mathematics and as a state competition coordinator for the annual South Carolina Junior Beta Club Convention.

While an undergraduate at CCU, Cohens was named the 2012-2013 Student Leader of the Year during the annual Student Involvement and Leadership Awards ceremony.