Annual Scholastic Honors Convocation spotlights ‘top’ students, faculty

June 4, 2025

Held on Friday, April 25, Columbus State University’s annual Scholastic Honors Convocation bestowed awards on more than 130 students for their academic and service accomplishments at the university, departmental and program levels.

Awards included the Faculty Cup Award and Educator of the Year Award—considered to be the university’s “top” awards for students and faculty.

Faculty Cup: Kennedy Buckner

Senior Kennedy Buckner of Fayetteville, Georgia, is an English major and Honors College student whose academic excellence, leadership and creative scholarship set her apart from other nominees. She has presented her research across the state and completed a prestigious summer fellowship through the Leadership Alliance Mellon Initiative at the University of Virginia.

On campus, she has served as president of the Black Student Union and press secretary for the Student Government Association. She also founded a library of African American texts and has contributed to student-media publications including The Uproar online news outlet and The Arden literary magazine.

The Faculty Cup is the highest student award bestowed by the university. It recognizes a student classified as a senior for their superior academic achievement, student engagement, leadership, service and potential for future achievement.

Educator of the Year: Dr. Rajeev Dabke

Dr. Rajeev Dabke, a professor of chemistry, has served on the Columbus State faculty since 2002 and is known for making science fun, hands-on and inclusive. His teaching blends real-world application with student-centered activities—from using LEGO bricks to teach the periodic table of elements to creating chemistry modules for visually impaired students. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, he adapted labs to be interactive using document cameras and everyday items.

During his Columbus State tenure, he has mentored more than 30 undergraduate researchers—with many publishing or presenting their work at national conferences. His engaging style (which often includes chemistry jokes and magic tricks) and commitment to accessible learning have earned him recognition through awards, grants and media features.

The Student Government Association presents the Educator of the Year Award annually to recognize and promote teaching excellence among the university’s faculty. Students nominate and evaluate awardees based on their knowledge, consistency, dependability and creativity.

Other Awards

The program also recognized departmental- and program-level Student of Excellence and other award recipients. In addition, the Honors College presented 12 of its spring graduates with their honors cords and eight students with honors pins. It also inducted 113 new students. Four students were inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi international honor society.

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Main image: Kennedy Buckner holding the Faculty Cup (center) pictured with President Stuart Rayfield (left) and Provost & Chief Academic Officer Shannon Campbell (right).

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu