Margin of Excellence grants awarded at Gadsden State

Gadsden, Ala. — Three Margin of Excellence grants were awarded to members of Gadsden State Community College’s faculty and staff after being selected by a committee of nine co-workers and community members.
 
“These prestigious awards honor faculty and staff members who have presented projects that reflect their exceptional dedication, creativity and commitment to student success,” said Dr. Dana Davis, committee liaison and budget manager. “The committee carefully reviewed nominations and were able to identify those projects that will significantly impact and benefit Gadsden State students.”
 
The Margin of Excellence Committee awarded a total of $25,000 in grants for the 2024-25 academic year.
 
In 1989, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Gadsden State an endowment challenge grant. The following academic year, Gadsden State raised $370,500 from faculty, staff and community supporters. With the federal match, Gadsden State had an endowment fund of $741,000, which was to be held in an interest-bearing account for 20 years. This money is used to fund scholarships and special projects for students through the Margin of Excellence Grant.
 
Funding can be awarded for equipment for instructional or operational use, special events or projects, student scholarships, professional development, special cultural and educational programs, speakers, publications or other areas that benefit and assist our students, faculty or staff.
 
Below are the three projects awarded Margin of Excellence grants, the project managers and funded amounts:
 
Julie White, a psychology instructor, was awarded $10,483 for improvements to the multipurpose outdoor space for students on the Wallace Drive Campus.
 
Danny Wilborn and Tammy Morgan, both mathematics instructors, were awarded $9,517. The funds will be used to send instructors within the Division of Mathematics to the American Association of Two-Year Colleges National Conference in November in Atlanta.
 
Blake Lewis, the athletic director and head baseball coach, was awarded $5,000 for the Cardinal Lounge. The funds will assist in furnishing Phase 1 of the student-athlete lounge area and meeting space that will be used for studying, team activities, coaches’ meetings and mentoring sessions.
 
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Margin of Excellence grants,” Davis said. “I know these projects will have a lasting impact on our students, employees and Gadsden State.”