September 22, 2025

The Columbus State University Alumni Association bestowed its top alumni awards during an awards dinner on Thursday, Sept. 18.

This is the 45th year the association has bestowed alumni awards, which began with the Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award and grew to include others that honor the university’s graduates for their achievements and loyalty.

This year’s award recipients included:

Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award

Debbie Deal Moody ‘82

Moody has dedicated her life to service, leadership and philanthropy, making a significant impact on her community and the university. As a student-athlete from 1978–82, she was tri-captain of the university’s Women’s Volleyball Team while also a member of its Softball Team. During the 40-plus years since she graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration, she has continued to support Columbus State through her involvement with the Alumni Association and her giving to student scholarships—the latter earning her the designation of charter member of the university’s Tower Society. Civically, her deep commitment to service spans championing youth and children’s health, faith, sustainability, and housing and services for women and children in need. In honor of her commitment, she has received numerous awards, including the North Carolina Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award (1992) and the Duke Cancer Center’s Shingleton Award (2010). Along with her husband Frank ‘81 (business administration), she was named Co-Citizen of the Year by Scouting America’s Occoneechee Council (2014). Professionally, she has served as vice president of LBM Inc. since 1990.

Since 1980, the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award has recognized graduates who live up to the high standards set by its namesake and Columbus State’s first president. It is the university’s most prestigious alumni award.

Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award

Mat Swift

President and COO of W.C. Bradley Co.’s Real Estate Division for more than 30 years before retiring, Swift was honored for being a builder—not just of buildings, but of opportunity, community and legacy. During his W.C. Bradley Co. tenure, he oversaw investments exceeding $1 billion that redefined downtown Columbus. His professional influence endures throughout the university’s RiverPark Campus and the downtown Columbus amenities that make the area an ideal place for university students, employees and alumni to live, study and work. He continues to provide real estate counsel as a member of the CSU Foundation Properties Board of Directors. His leadership extends beyond his native Columbus through past service on Georgia’s Board of Economic Development and his current role as a University System of Georgia regent.

The Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award is presented only when extraordinary achievement or service merits it. Named for Columbus State’s third president, it recognizes a graduate or member of the community who has made exceptional contributions to educational excellence at, or whose achievements have brought honor and distinction to, the university. 

Distinguished Alumnus in Military/Public Service

Brandon Cockrell ’99

As deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for energy and sustainability, Cockrell serves in one of the highest civilian posts in the Army. In this capacity, he leads initiatives to enhance energy security and water resilience. Previously, as deputy to the garrison commander at Fort Benning, he managed a $450 million budget and over 2,300 personnel, supporting 125,000 soldiers, families and civilians. He spearheaded modernization efforts, including the integration of Smart City technologies. His career includes key leadership roles, including director of the Plans, Analysis & Integration Office at Fort Benning and director of Public Works for IMCOM-Training, overseeing services across 16 Army installations. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, such as the Order of Saint Maurice, the Order of Saint George and the Superior Civilian Service Medal. He holds a master of business administration from the Turner College of Business & Technology.

The award recognizes alumni who, as active-duty military service personnel, military veterans or public service professionals, bring distinction to the university through their local, statewide, regional or national service.

Excellence in Alumni Achievement

Michael Sumuel ‘07

Since earning a bachelor of music in music performance, Sumuel has appeared on stage with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Glyndebourne Festival and Seattle Opera in roles ranging from Figaro and Leporello to Escamillo and Porgy. On the concert stage, he has performed with leading orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, in repertoire from Bach to Beethoven. A Richard Tucker Career Grant recipient and a Metropolitan Opera National Council grand finalist, his 2025-26 season includes returns to the Metropolitan Opera and Houston Grand Opera, as well as major debuts in Berlin and Munich.

Ashley Woitena ‘06

The 2006 bachelor of business administration graduate has served as president & CEO of VisitColumbusGA since March 2025—bringing to the role the nearly 20 years of destination management experience she’s honed during her tenure there. She has served on the board of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus since 2016, including a term as its president. She holds industry certifications such as the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Leadership Excellence Certification, the Southeast Tourism Society’s Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP) distinction, and the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation. In 2023, she was named to Georgia Trend’s list of “40 Under 40.” Beyond her role at VisitColumbusGA, she is actively involved locally on the boards of Girls Inc., Uptown Columbus Inc., and the Greater Columbus Sports Council.

The Alumni Association bestows this award on alumni from exceptional nominations it receives for its other award categories.

Young Alumni Award

Sophie Wang ‘16

A 2016 bachelor of music graduate and a Woodruff Award recipient, Wang was named the associate concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops Orchestra in June 2025. After Columbus State, she completed her graduate diploma and master’s at the New England Conservatory. She has performed as a soloist with various orchestras, has participated in prestigious music festivals (including Tanglewood and Sarasota), and actively engages in community concerts throughout the Boston area.

The Young Alumni Award honors alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years, their commitment to excellence through their post-collegiate efforts, and their significant or ongoing commitment to extraordinary work, research, volunteerism or service to their alma mater.

Alumni Service Award

Karen King Cook ‘95 and Jason McKenzie ‘09

Through their involvement with the Ride for Miracles organization, Cook (bachelor’s, health science) and McKenzie (bachelor of business administration, marketing) have been instrumental in raising funds since 2021 to support nursing education at Columbus State. Known in Miracle Rider circles as “Momma Kat,” her often behind-the-scenes role includes logistics and marketing the ride; her influence, however, is clearly witnessed through the riders’ nationwide awareness and success. McKenzie, owner of Columbus-based Ride on Bikes, made his rookie ride in 2025 as the Miracle Riders continued their quest to fund their third School of Nursing simulation lab—part of the organization’s multi-year, $1 million fundraising commitment.

Jasmine Reid ‘15, ‘17

Reid is a two-time alumna with a bachelor’s in health science and a master’s in higher education administration. A committed alumni volunteer, she has played a vital role in advancing alumni involvement, serving first as co-chair and now chairing the Black Alumni Council. Professionally, she serves as the engagement specialist in the university’s Honors College, where she is dedicated to supporting student success through mentorship, leadership development and academic engagement. Through her combined leadership in both areas, she continues to foster meaningful connections between alumni and the university community, ensuring that current and future Cougars benefit from a strong and supportive network.

The Alumni Service Award honors alumni for rendering outstanding volunteer service to the CSU Alumni Association or the entire university.

Employee Appreciation Award

Brandon Lindley ‘09, ‘15

Through his role as executive director of IT Client Services & Administrative Operations in University Information & Technology Services, Lindley’s leadership has had a significant impact on the Office of Alumni Engagement and throughout the university. A two-time CSU graduate, he holds a bachelor’s in business administration and master of public administration. A member of the 2013-14 CSU Cheer team and former Peach Belt Conference champion, Lindley’s employment accolades include three USG Chancellor’s Service Excellence Awards and the university’s 2020 Service Excellence Award.

This award highlights current employees’ contributions to the Alumni Association. Award nominations are accepted only from board members.

Special Recognitions

Honorary Alumni Presentations

The CSU Alumni Association honored Cal Cole, Todd Hibbs and Steve Smith with honorary alumni status, which it bestows on occasion to individuals who significantly support the university. This year, that includes the trio of first-time riders on the Miracle Riders’ 2025 effort to fund a NICU simulation lab. They join past Miracle Riders who, since 2021, have been granted honorary alumni status for their long-term efforts to support the School of Nursing’s pediatric nursing program. 

Outgoing Directors

The association also recognized Christopher Bass ’19, ’21; Dewayne Harris ’14; Carlie Hinson ’16, ’18; Tom Kirkbride ’01, ’05; and De’Ana Singletary ’07, ’15 for their service as outgoing directors.

About the Alumni Association

Established in 1960, the CSU Alumni Association represents and provides programming for the university’s 40,000-plus alumni from all 50 states, three U.S. territories and 70 countries worldwide. Membership in the association is free for graduates. 

Photos from the awards dinner are available on the university's Flickr account.

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Main news image: photos of the award winners appear left to right in the order they appear in this article.

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