As the spring 2025 semester came to a close, Tennessee Tech University paused to recognize Golden Eagles making an impact on their campus community in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

The 2025 Student Leadership Awards, hosted by Tech’s Student Government Association (SGA) and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, presented nearly a dozen awards recognizing individual students, student organizations and faculty advisors. 

“At Tennessee Tech, students live by the mantra of being bold, fearless, confident and kind,” said Kelsey Hewitt, 2024-2025 Tech SGA president, in opening remarks at the ceremony. “Each student in this room has exemplified these traits in their leadership and dedication to our campus community ... Tonight is a celebration of all the tireless work you have poured into making our campus a better place.”

The top honor of the evening, the Spirit of Tennessee Tech Award, was presented by Tech President Phil Oldham to Abbie Maffett, a Cookeville native and junior in Tech’s College of Business studying operations, logistics and supply chain management.

“This award recognizes students' overall contributions to the Tennessee Tech community and their embodiment of Tennessee Tech school spirit and values,” said Oldham. “Tonight’s recipient happens to have a resume filled with impressive positions and accomplishments. But she also has a reputation for kindness, hard work, and a deep and abiding love for Tennessee Tech.”

In other awards, the Program of the Year award was presented to Tech’s Plant Science Club, which presenters explained had “gone above and beyond in fulfilling their mission to educate and engage the campus community in the world of horticulture and plant science.”

Charria Campbell, director of Intercultural Affairs at Tech, presented the Breakout Student Organization of the Year award to Tech’s chapter of the Tennessee Scenic River Association (TSRA) – which she noted was the first official college branch of TSRA in existence. 

Campbell also presented the Best New Student Organization of the Year award to Trash Force TN Tech, a student organization launched last September that has already removed some 350 pounds of litter from the community.

Hewitt presented Organizational Excellence Awards to Tech’s Autonomous Robotics Club and Swing Dance Club, while the top student organization honor – the Best Student Organization of the Year award – was given to Tech’s chapter of the Student Fisheries Association.

“The Student Fisheries Association, a subunit of the American Fisheries Society, has had an incredible year of growth and accomplishment,” said Hewitt. “In just one year, they’ve tripled their membership—from 18 active members to over 50—and created extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning.” 

Bailey Phonsnasinh, director of brand communication for Tech’s Office of Communications and Marketing, presented the office’s award for Student of the Year to Alana Brown, a rising junior from Cookeville majoring in marketing. Brown has served as a student worker for the Office of Communications & Marketing for the last two years.

“Alana is a great ambassador for the university and the Office of Communications and Marketing,” said Phonsnasinh. “She eagerly shares with these incoming students what life at Tech is like and all of the opportunities that await them.”

Katie Aikens, dean of students and assistant vice president for strategic initiatives at Tech, presented Unsung Heroes awards to students Kalel Lopez, Abbie Maffett and Thamara Nascimento. 

“Our Unsung Heroes work behind the scenes to make organizations and campus programs better,” said Aikens. “According to their nominators, these students create a cheerful and welcoming environment for others, serve as an example to other students, help their peers succeed and more.”

Rising Student Leader awards were presented to students El-Myrath Atoro, Thamara Nascimento, Sarah Elliott, Maya Seitz and Haylee Northcutt while Outstanding Student Leader awards were presented to Zakary Henson, Jasmine Montgomery, Jacob Bruce, Elijah Plattner and Kaylee Easter.

Julie Baker, dean of Tech’s College of Graduate Studies and interim associate provost, presented the Graduate Student of the Year award to Claire Myers, who is pursuing a Master of Science in chemical engineering with an expected graduation this fall. 

Myers has served in various campus leadership posts, including as student trustee and past vice president of the SGA. 

“Her engagement in leadership roles deepened her understanding of higher education administration and shaped her career aspirations, as well,” said Baker. “She hopes to pursue a career in academia and credits her own strong mentors for her personal and professional trajectory.”

The 2024-2025 Volunteer Advisor of the Year, one of the ceremony’s few faculty honors, was given to Amanda Carroll, master lecturer and director of advising and student success for the Department of Chemistry.

The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Jasmine Montgomery, a Cumberland County native and 2024-2025 associate justice for Tech’s SGA supreme court who has also served in Tech’s Psychology Club and the university’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, a collegiate honors society.  

Cynthia Polk-Johnson, vice president for student affairs at Tech, praised Montgomery for “her selfless mentorship, her creative problem-solving, and her unwavering dedication to building community and fostering growth in others.”

For more information on each award category and the work done by Tech’s student leaders, visit https://www.tntech.edu/sga/awards.php.