October 21, 2024

President Stuart Rayfield has commissioned a new group of students and employees to help create meaningful changes within Columbus State University’s campus culture. The new Presidential Fellows program will serve as the eyes and ears of university leadership by identifying and suggesting ways to enhance the university experience for all.

“Fellows will broaden our reach to all corners and walks of the university by gathering open and honest feedback from their peers about what it’s like to study and work at Columbus State,” Rayfield said. “I hope this program will provide candid observations and ideas that my Executive Leadership Team and I can act on as we build a positive university community.”

Rayfield seeks to improve opportunities, remove barriers and streamline processes that make Columbus State a destination for students pursuing their degrees and employees advancing their careers. Feedback from the presidential fellows will be part of her efforts to better understand the university’s current culture and campus experience. That feedback is also expected to help further many of the priorities outlined in the university’s recently launched “Better Together: 2030” five-year strategic plan.

Like this year’s class, future fellows will be competitively selected from those applying for the opportunity. Their service from August to May coincides with the academic year.

The university’s inaugural Presidential Fellows cohort includes:

• • Dr. Samuel Abegaz, a professor in the Department of Chemistry
  • Dana Chatman, a sophomore psychology major
  • Kenedi Gadsden, a junior majoring in elementary education
  • Dr. Kimberly Gill, an associate professor and chair of the School of Policy, Justice & Public Safety
  • Robert Gill, library assistant, CSU Libraries
  • Dr. Anna Hart, an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education, Leadership & Counseling and executive director of assessment in the College of Education & Health Professions
  • Kyrston Heath, a senior sociology major
  • Jarrett Huckaby, a senior majoring in Earth and space sciences
  • Dr. Tiffany McBride, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and a Columbus State alumna
  • Sarah Secoy, director of the Center for Accommodation & Access, Title IX compliance coordinator and a two-time Columbus State alumna
  • Amanda Smith, director of university operations in University Support Services
  • Elaine Streeter, an academic advisor in CSU Advise and a Columbus State alumna

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