CofC Faculty, Staff Recognized for Outstanding Service to First-Year Students

Whether they know it or not, the people students meet during their first year of college make all the difference, setting the tone for their entire college experience and beyond. That’s why, at the end of every academic year, the First Year Experience program (FYE) asks first-year students if they’d like to recognize anyone who has had a particularly special impact on their life at the College of Charleston.

“The first year of college can be the most difficult for students as they transition to a new environment, so it’s important for faculty, staff and current students to help our new students feel welcome and supported in their new home,” says Mindy Miley, assistant vice president of first year and bridge student services in the Office of New Student Programs. “I often get emails from students about staff and student employees who may not get recognized for the little things they do that make them feel a part of the College community.”

And so, in 2018, FYE created the Outstanding Service to First-Year Students recognition program to make sure those people do get recognized. Students can nominate faculty, staff and other students who made a difference in their lives, providing a brief description of how that individual contributed to their first year at the College. Those who are recognized receive a small token of appreciation.

“I’ve always been touched by the comments I receive from students, and it makes me proud of those going the extra mile when working with our first-year students,” says Miley. “From resident assistants, peer educators, tutors and advisors to public safety officers, maintenance workers, dining services staff and custodial staff: We all play a role in making the College of Charleston a special place and helping our students feel they’re a part of this place, too.”

A huge thanks – and congratulations – to the below faculty, staff and students who were recognized this year for their outstanding service to first-year students.

As Miley says, “This year was especially challenging for our students, which makes the efforts of these individuals even more special!”

Yaron Ayalon, Faculty, FYE/Jewish Studies (recognized for FYE and Jewish studies instruction)

Christopher Boan-Lenzo, Faculty, Sociology

Kathleen Béres-Rogers, Faculty, FYE/English

Richard Bodek, Faculty, FYE/History

Katelyn Chapman, Faculty, Studio Art

Adam Domby, Faculty, History

Maggie Mae Farthing, Staff, Academic Advising and Planning Center/Academic Experience

Samuel Flores, Faculty, Classics

Chloe Jackson, Student

Todd McNerney, Faculty, Theatre

Meglena Miltcheva, Faculty, German and Russian Studies

Cailey Murphy, Student, Peer Facilitator – Center for Excellence in Peer Education/FYE/Academic Experience

Thomas Nadelhoffer, Faculty, Philosophy

Ian O’Byrne, Faculty, FYE/Teacher Education

Dedra Randolph, Staff, Dining Services – Fresh Food Company

Paul Roof, Faculty, Sociology

Abe Saunders, Staff, Center for Student Learning/Academic Experience

Eileen Shields, Faculty, Hispanic Studies

Sam Simmons, Staff, Dining Services – City Bistro

Kenneth Van Nice, Faculty, Mathematics (recognized twice)

Claire Wofford, Faculty, Political Science

A list of those recognized in past year is available on the FYE website.