HESA Student and Alum Awards

Outstanding Graduate Student in Higher Education Student Affairs (began 2017)

The CEAP Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Higher Education Student Affairs will be given to a HESA student who is graduating during the academic year and who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Higher Education Student Affairs program at WCU, service to Western Carolina University, and the field of higher education student affairs in general. This award will recognize the nominee’s sustained excellent academic record and exceptional academic success as exemplified by extraordinary publications, research, creative work, merit awards, or competitive selection for presentations at state, regional and national conferences. The recipient of this award will be selected in consultation and agreement of the HESA faculty from the aforementioned criteria.

Previous Award Recipients:
2023: Kayla Patterson
2022: Colin Hill
2021: Jessica Davis
2020: Jak Koett
2019: Sophia Calhoun
2018: Hannah Scott
2017: Kelsey Woodford

Promising Practitioner Award in Higher Education Student Affairs (began 2019)

The CEAP Award for Promising Practitioner in Higher Education Student Affairs will be given to a HESA student who is graduating during the academic year and who has demonstrated extraordinary effort as an emerging practitioner in the field. This award will recognize the nominee’s passionate commitment to student success and wellness exemplified through their desire to impact lives and foster holistic student development. The recipient of this award will be selected in consultation and agreement of the HESA faculty from the aforementioned criteria.

Previous Award Recipients:
2023: Hannah Durand
2022: Zach Moffett
2021: Johanna Mercado
2020: Thomas Cook
2019: Anthony Pohorilak

Outstanding Alumni Award – HESA/CSP (began 2022)

The Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) program’s (previously known as College Student Personnel) Outstanding Alumni Award is given annually and is designed to recognize graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the field of higher education / student affairs since graduating from the program. This impact can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including making a significant impact on education and/or student development, developing a regional/national reputation for their work, serving as an inspiration to other professionals, and/or demonstrating involvement with the HESA program at Western Carolina University (WCU). The recipient of this award will be selected by a committee named by the HESA program advisory board and with agreement of the HESA faculty from the aforementioned criteria. Follow this link for list of criteria and to make a nomination.

Previous Award Recipients:
2023: Dr. Lincoln Walburn (class of 2006)
2022: Kourtney (Kirby) Sandefur (class of 2017)

College of Education and Allied Professions Award Winners:

2021: CEAP Soaring High Award – Riley Jelenick
2019: CEAP Soaring High Award – Roslyn Gowens
2019: CEAP Peak Performer (Alumni Award): Mike Corelli