Institutional Honors
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Recognizing significant milestones and celebrating accomplishments are important aspects of the educational experience at Northeast State Community College. The College administers and awards various institutional honors to students, faculty, staff, and alumni that reflect their commitment to excellence in academics and service.
Each year Northeast State Community College recognizes an exemplary adult student who is enrolled in an educational program to enhance or improve his/her educational credentials. The Adult Learner of the Year Award honors a student who achieves high performance within the program of study; demonstrates good citizenship; exhibits personal desire and motivation; and meets one or more of the social definitions of adulthood: married, a parent, or self-supporting.
Students are nominated for the award by faculty and staff. The award is sponsored by the Division of Student Services, and the recipient is selected by an ad hoc committee from the Northeast State community. Priority consideration is given to individuals who have overcome significant obstacles in the pursuit of their academic and career goals.
Recipients of the Adult Learner of the Year Award include:
- 2017-18 – Monica L. Tucker
- 2016-17 – Konah Buckman
- 2015-16 – Alicia N. Blasini
- 2014-15 – Paul E. Taylor III
- 2013-14 – Willie J. Riddle
- 2012-13 – Elizabeth S. Ross
- 2011-12 – Joshua A. Johnson
- 2010-11 – Sandra M. Bullins
- 2009-10 – Larry H. Templeton
- 2008-09 – Yuezhu Liu
- 2007-08 – Beverley R. Ehrhart
- 2006-07 – Lisa D. Kilby Adams
- 2005-06 – Wendi J. Pickel
- 2004-05 – Judith V. Shannon
- 2003-04 – Leona C. Holman
- 2002-03 – Debra M. Stout
- 2001-02 – B. Joyce Hyder Sweeney
- 2000-01 – Leigh M. Fox
- 1999-00 – Melanie R. Highsmith
- 1998-99 – Mitzi L. Gibson
- 1997-98 – Connie J. Goddard
- 1996-97 – P. Darlene Jolly
Administered by the Tennessee Region of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the All-Tennessee Community College Academic Team recognizes outstanding students from each of the state’s community colleges. The All-Tennessee team is one of 38 All-State Academic Teams sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa at the national level. Recipients of All-State honors are then placed in competition for the All-USA Community College Academic Team and the Coca-Cola Community College Team. The All-USA team is presented by USA TODAY.
Nominees are selected from students scheduled to complete associate degrees during the academic year of nomination with GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 4.0, who make significant service contributions to the College or community, and who meet national eligibility criteria. Northeast State recipients include:
- 2018
Paige A. DiPirro
Dakoda E. Goodwin
Monica L. Tucker
- 2017
Nathan P. Carrier
Shannon D. Yerton
- 2016
Victoria G. Hewlett (Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for Tennessee)
Paul E. Taylor III (Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar)
- 2015
Emmaline H. Bragg (Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar)
David J. Shepherd (Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar)
- 2014
Olivia A. Orten (Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for
Tennessee)
Nikki D. Sumner (Coca-Cola Community College
Academic Team Silver Scholar)
- 2013
Elizabeth S. Ross
Anne N. Rowell
- 2012
A. Kelly Stapleton
Brittany L. Thomas (Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for Tennessee and All-USA Community College Academic Team)
- 2011
Brittany N. Boone
F. Lee Boyd II
- 2010
April M. Barrett (Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar)
Jennifer N. Miller
- 2009
Kimberly M. Coalson
L. Nichole Manz
- 2008
Elaine M. Henry
Debra A. Oglesby
- 2007
Kelley M. Hatch (Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for Tennessee)
Caleb P. Pearson
- 2006
Christina M. Huffines
Sean P. Rupley
- 2005
Erika M. Adams
Tracy L. Mantell
- 2004
Brian E. Moody
Jason E. Tipton
- 2003
Rhonda G. Castle
Lydia R. Prior
- 2002
David W. Buchanan
Pamela A. Echols
- 2001
Leigh M. Fox
Jacqueline R. Robinson
- 2000
Marsha H. Elam
Elizabeth C. Nicely
- 1999
Anthony M. Lewis
Alvin L. Murphy
- 1998
Michaela C. Boggs
Joyce Lawson Noto
- 1997
F. Arlene Miles
Marie M. Sandidge
- 1996
John P. Forbes
Kristen E. Rudder
- 1995
Robert W. Wagner
Northeast State honors its Most Distinguished Faculty, Administrative/Professional, and Support Staff members with awards presented annually at the Honors Convocation ceremony in April. The Distinguished Staff Awards recognize employees who demonstrate excellence in teaching and service that impacts the College and the student body. Staff members who meet eligibility criteria are nominated by students or fellow employees. The recipients of the awards are selected by the Distinguished Staff Awards Committee.
Award recipients include:
| Year |
Faculty |
Administrative |
Support Staff |
| 2017-18 |
Richard Merritt |
James Henrichs |
John Adcox |
| 2016-17 |
Charles Charlton |
Chris Hitechew |
Melissa Brickey |
| 2015-16 |
Tempi Hale |
Jennifer Starling |
Dottie Corey |
| 2014-15 |
David Haga |
Malissa Trent |
Debra Johnson |
| 2013-14 |
Brent Lockhart |
Patricia Chandler |
Mike Collins |
| 2012-13 |
Jim Kelly |
Sandra Gardner |
David Lewis |
| 2011-12 |
Ed Osborne |
Nancy Forrester |
Erin Blevins |
| 2010-11 |
Connie Marshall |
Chris Lefler |
Brenda Denton |
| 2009-10 |
Garry Grau |
Josh Crowder |
Angela Huddle |
| 2008-09 |
David Maldon |
Donald Coleman |
Patricia Haynes |
| 2007-08 |
David Wollert |
Pete Miller |
Jeff Grindstaff |
| 2006-07 |
Mark Pollock |
Pat Moody |
Joyce Sweeney |
| 2005-06 |
Michael Aulick |
Kathy Coleman |
Sherry Mott |
| 2004-05 |
William Wilson |
Crusie Lucero |
Linda Hamilton |
| 2003-04 |
Robert May |
Tammy Street |
Linda Carpenter |
| 2002-03 |
Fred Cope |
Ranee Baker |
Lory Fulton |
| 2001-02 |
Mary Ella Poteat |
Duncan Parsons |
Mary Plank |
| 2000-01 |
Donald Whitaker |
Jon Harr |
Janet Gregg |
| 1999-00 |
Charlie Bloomer |
Margaret Lester |
Zoe Witcher |
| 1998-99 |
Sam Stevenson |
Pat Moody |
Debra Johnson |
| 1997-98 |
Carolyn McCracken |
Susan Graybeal |
Patricia Chandler |
| 1996-97 |
Lana Hamilton |
Susan Allen |
Sandra Gardner |
| 1995-96 |
Pashia Hogan |
Lydia Knight |
Dianne Grant |
| 1994-95 |
Brian McRae |
Elaine Boone |
David Haga |
| 1993-94 |
Ramona Stephens |
Greg Walters |
Debi Beverly |
| 1992-93 |
Carole Shaw |
Donald Coleman |
Sue Cunningham |
| 1991-92 |
Rita Quillen |
No Award |
James Sell |
Full-time tenured faculty who have served Northeast State Community College for a minimum of 15 years and who are eligible for state retirement benefits, who have made significant contributions and service to the College, and who have retired in good standing from Northeast State are considered for emeritus faculty status upon retirement. Candidates for the Faculty Emeritus Award must be recommended for emeritus status within two years from the date of retirement.
Faculty Emeritus recipients and their dates of service:
- Dottie L. Whitesides, English, 1979-1995
- Nancy F. Forrester, Mathematics, 1984-2013
- Dr. Kurt W. Kominek, Computer and Information Sciences, 1994-2016
Students receiving associate degrees with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.9 to 4.0 will be awarded Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors), while those with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.75 to 3.89 will be awarded Magna Cum Laude (High Honors). Graduates with final cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 to 3.74 will be awarded Cum Laude (Honors). Learning Support grade point averages will not count toward calculation of either semester or graduation honors. Northeast State has one commencement ceremony per year, which is at the end of the spring semester; therefore, graduation honors are calculated at the end of the fall semester. The graduation honors designation will be included in the graduation program, the graduation ceremony, and all news releases concerning graduation.
Community service recognition programs for higher education students and faculty/staff at the campus level were created in Tennessee through legislation enacted by the General Assembly in 1991. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) administers the program to recognize Outstanding Community Service performed by the faculty, staff, and students of Tennessee’s higher education institutions, including public and private two- and four-year institutions. In 1997, the awards were named for the late Representative Harold Love, Sr. who was instrumental in passing the enabling legislation.
Elected to the General Assembly in 1968, Rep. Love was known for his compassion and good humor. With the welfare of his community as his primary concern, Rep. Love went to any lengths to help a constituent in need, even if it meant giving from his own pocket. That is why, whenever he was present during a session of the Tennessee House of Representatives, it was said, “Love is in the House.” Five student and five faculty/staff winners state-wide are named each year. Each individual recipient receives a $1,000 prize and is honored at the annual awards ceremony in Nashville.
Love Award recipients from Northeast State include:
- 2018 – S. Abigail Saulsbury, Student
- 2015 – David E. Haga, Faculty
- 2014 – Linda W. Calvert, Staff
- 2007 – Dr. Laura T. Barnett, Faculty
- 2007 – Kelley M. Hatch, Student
- 2004 – Keia S. Loveless, Student
- 2002 – Janet L. Blankenbecler, Student
- 1999 – Jerry Brown Courtney, Student
- 1998 – Joyce Lawson Noto, Student
- 1997 – Melissa A. Ripley, Student
- 1996 – Marie M. Sandidge, Student
- 1994 – Thomas L. Turner, Jr., Student
Honors Convocation is held annually in April and is considered one of the two most important events sponsored by the College. The other is the yearly Commencement Ceremony for graduating students. Awards for outstanding students in each academic program area and the overall Northeast State Outstanding Student Award finalists and semi-finalists are recognized during Honors Convocation. In addition, students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have made significant contributions in various programs and student organizations are honored. Selection of the recipients varies by award and/or program.
The date and time for the 2018-2019 ceremony is Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. The location will be the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport.
Download a copy of the latest Honors Convocation program book to view a complete list of the award winners:
Northeast State Community College and the Northeast State National Alumni Association recognize a graduate with the Outstanding Alumni Award each year at Honors Convocation. The award honors an alumni who has made significant contributions in one or more of the following categories:
Northeast State, career, or community. Alumni are nominated by Northeast State students, faculty, staff, alumni, or community members. The recipient of the award is selected by the Outstanding Alumni Award Committee.
Outstanding Alumni Award winners include:
- 2018 – Dr. Susan Graybeal '92, King University
- 2017 – Rep. Timothy Hill '03, Tennessee's 3rd House District
- 2016 – Donald Coleman '87, Northeast State Community College
- 2015 – Dannette Williams '04, Marriott International
- 2014 – Carson Waugh '05, Off The Waugh Productions
- 2013 – Dr. David Long '92, The University of Auckland (NZ)
- 2012 – Rep. Matthew Hill '01, Tennessee's 7th House District
- 2011 – Mary Moore '91, Eastman Chemical Company
- 2010 – Duke Okes '76, APLOMET/Applied Logical Methods
- 2009 – Greg Walters '07, Northeast State Community College
- 2008 – Rayma Gibbs '03, Northeast State Community College
- 2007 – April Eads '02, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
- 2006 – Allen Hurley '93, Touchstone Wireless, LP
- 2005 – Robin Eller '00, Hallie Turner Private School
- 2004 – Becky Berry '99, Northeast State National Alumni Association
Northeast State’s Outstanding Student Award honors a graduating student who demonstrates excellence in academics, career preparation, and service that impacts College constituencies. Nominees for the Outstanding Student Award are selected by faculty and staff from students scheduled to complete associate degrees during the academic year
of nomination with a minimum required GPA, who make significant service contributions to the College or community, and who meet additional eligibility criteria. The recipient of the award is selected by the Outstanding Student Award Selection Committee.
Beginning with the 2018-2019 Academic Year, the Outstanding Student Award will be part of the Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition Awards (SOAR) sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the College System of Tennessee. SOAR offers tremendous opportunities for students,
faculty, and staff through competitive award programs that select state-wide outstanding recipients in each category for both community colleges and colleges of applied technology.
Help us find our missing Outstanding Student Award winners! We are searching for the names of the students who received the Outstanding Student Award (then known as the Faculty Scholarship Award) in 1982-83, 1984-85, 1985-86, and 1989-90. If you are the award winner or have
documentation of the award winner’s name, please contact studentdevelopment@NortheastState.edu.
Outstanding Student Award winners include:
- 2017-18 – Jason M. Abernathy, Criminal Justice/General Transfer
- 2016-17 – Kerri E. Jones, Biology
- 2015-16 – Victoria G. Hewlett, Sociology/Speech Communication
- 2014-15 – Emmaline H. Bragg, Social
Work/Sociology
- 2013-14 – Nikki D. Sumner, Pre-Nursing
- 2012-13 – Elizabeth S. Ross, Speech
Communication
- 2011-12 – Joshua A. Johnson, Speech
Communication/Theatre
- 2010-11 – F. Lee Boyd II, Speech
Communication
- 2009-10 – Adnan Brka, Nursing
- 2008-09 – L. Nichole Manz,
Electromechanical
- 2007-08 – Elaine M. Henry, Pre-Nursing/Speech
Communication
- 2006-07 – Caleb P. Pearson, Pre-Health
Professions
- 2005-06 – William H. Bloomer, General
Transfer
- 2004-05 – Tracy L. Mantell,
Business/English
- 2003-04 – Patricia J. Cross, General
Transfer
- 2002-03 – Jason E. Tipton,
Mechanical
- 2001-02 – Cynthia C. Hill, General
Office
- 2000-01 – Dinah L. DeFord, General
Transfer
- 1999-00 – Marsha H. Elam,
Accounting
- 1998-99 – Scott A. Dykes, General
Transfer
- 1997-98 – Kellie E. Arnold, General
Transfer
- 1996-97 – J. David Bowles, General
Transfer
- 1995-96 – Margaret H. Davis,
Psychology
- 1994-95 – Theresa M. Simpson, Management/Small Business
Management
- 1993-94 – Tiffany R. Watkins, General
Transfer
- 1992-93 – Danna K. Pearce,
Finance
- 1991-92 – Susan E. Graybeal, Management Information
Science
- 1990-91 – H. Alan Miller, Instrumentation Engineering
Technology
- 1989-90 – Unknown
- 1988-89 – Mark Singleton,
Drafting
- 1987-88 – Carolyn Ward, Management Information
Science
- 1986-87 – William E. Whitesides,
Welding
- 1985-86 – Unknown
- 1984-85 – Unknown
- 1983-84 – Phillip D. Stanley,
Welding
- 1982-83 – Unknown
The Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award recognizes faculty and staff who voluntarily serve as advisors to the College's student organizations, clubs, and programs. The criteria for the award include being a student organization advisor for a minimum of two years with the same club or organization and exhibiting model behaviors in the performance of the duties and responsibilities of a student organization advisor as described in the Northeast State and Tennessee Board of Regents policies and procedures.
The award is sponsored by Student Life. Recipients are honored each year during Honors Convocation.
Award winners include:
- 2017-18 – Virginia Reed, TRiO CLuB
- 2016-17 – Laura Barnett, Volunteer Northeast State
- 2015-16 – Rayma Gibbs, Northeast State Scholars Foundation
- 2014-15 – Nona Shepherd, Sci-fi/Fantasy Guild
- 2013-14 – Jane Honeycutt, Phi Theta Kappa's Alpha Iota Chi Chapter
Visit the Program Area Awards web page for listings of students who have been named as the Outstanding Students in their major programs.
Visit the Skills Competitions web page for listings of students who have participated in local, regional, and national competitions.
Community is one of Northeast State Community College's core principles. As the region's community college, Northeast State models servant-leadership in its programs and services to encourage community engagement by students, faculty, and staff. To this end, Volunteer Northeast State coordinates service-learning initiatives
and nurtures partnerships between the College and community agencies. The organization also serves as a clearinghouse of community service activities and maintains records to document service.
Volunteer Northeast State sponsors the Volunteer of the Year Awards to recognize campus individuals and organizations that make significant impact through volunteer service. Eligible service activities include those performed on campus to benefit the Northeast State community as well as the community
at-large.
Volunteer of the Year Award winners include:
| Year |
Student |
Staff |
Faculty |
Student
Organization |
| 2017-18 |
Abigail Saulsbury |
Virginia Salmon |
Richard Merritt |
Criminal Justice Society |
| 2016-17 |
Michael McGee |
Linda Hamilton |
Michele Glass |
GREENS Club |
| 2015-16 |
Caroline Little |
Julie Murray |
Wayne Loving |
Phi Theta Kappa |
| 2014-15 |
Sarah Moore |
Tonya Cassell |
Mitzi Neeley |
Student Tennessee Education Association |
| 2013-14 |
Logan Jordan |
Linda Calvert |
David Haga |
Northeast State Scholars Foundation |
| 2012-13 |
Audra Poole |
Jim Henrichs |
Theresa Barringer |
GREENS Club |
| 2011-12 |
Desrick Hudson |
Raylene Steward |
Kristin Lazarova |
Alpha Sigma Lambda |
| 2010-11 |
Sheila Camargo |
Don Coleman |
Mahmood Sabri |
Phi Theta Kappa |
| 2009-10 |
Richard Wilson |
Brenda Denton |
Christal Hensley |
No Award |
| 2008-09 |
Kimberly Mann, Jason Seaton |
Faye Fair |
Maggie Flint |
No Award |
| 2007-08 |
Debra Oglesby |
Betty Mask |
Jane Honeycutt |
Phi Theta Kappa |
| 2006-07 |
Kelley Hatch |
Brian Johnson |
Carol Cole |
Student Teacher Education Association |
| 2005-06 |
Joshua Sneyd |
Katie Yates |
James McKinnie |
Northeast State Student Ambassadors |
| 2004-05 |
Sherry Hartley |
Chrissie Peters |
Mark Pollock |
No Award |
| 2003-04 |
Sandra Rhoton |
Michael Bledsoe |
Linda Lahr |
No Award |
2018-2019 Outstanding Student Finalists
Monica L. Tucker
Social Work / Sociology
Gray, TN
Malayna E. Johnson
Marketing
Kingsport, TN
Thomas L. Adams
Aviation Technology
Bristol, TN
Samantha M. Parrish
Pre-Dental Hygiene
Bristol, TN
Jessica E. Sweet-Claudio
Criminal Justice
Blountville, TN
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