College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Recognizes Exceptional Faculty, Student Achievements

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 22, 2024) – The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University recently hosted its 2024 End-of-the-Year Awards Celebration, recognizing the efforts of students and faculty. Six students were honored as seniors of the year and four faculty members were honored for their outstanding achievements in teaching, research, service and leadership.

“Celebrating our college’s accomplishments is vital, especially in honoring the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” said Frances Ward-Johnson, Ph.D., CAHSS dean. “We take immense pride in their achievements and are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment throughout the academic year. Their efforts truly embody the spirit of A&T, and we look forward to continuing to support and celebrate their success.”

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARDS

The six honored students met high academic standards, have been active on campus and in community organizations, accomplished success in challenging internships and served as inspiring role models for their peers. 

Outstanding Student of the Year – Brandon Smith ‘24, Criminal Justice

Smith actively participated in the Student Government Association as freshman class chief of staff, N.C. A&T Joint Greek Council president and marketing media manager, and assistant district director for the Association of the North Carolina Alphamen. He has secured a full-time position as a global security investigations associate for Fidelity Investments.

Outstanding Student of the Year – Brionna Tatum ‘24, English

Tatum participated in two prestigious honor societies: Sigma Tau (English Honor Society) and Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society. Outside of academics, she is passionate about advocating for victims of sexual and domestic abuse. She plans to pursue a law degree to further her commitment to helping those in need.

Outstanding Student of the Year – Tamyah Johnson ‘24, History and Political Science

Johnson was a student in the Honors College and served as president of the A&T Pre-Law Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). She also actively participated in the Student Government Association and NAACP, and served as a Democracy Fellow for Common Cause NC. She presented research on “The Impact of Corruption in Leadership” at several recent conferences, including the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Southern Political Science Association and the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

Outstanding Student of the Year – Christina Mosley ‘24, Journalism and Mass Communication

Mosley contributed to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration University Leadership Initiative Program. She also hosted workshops on campus designed to enhance students’ interviewing and networking abilities with employers. She received the Top Scholar Award for Highest Class Ranking from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department and Valedictorian Award, and the city of Charlotte’s Outstanding Student Leader Award.

Outstanding Student of the Year – Lauren Eastmond ‘24, Liberal Studies

Eastmond is a recipient of the Aggie Merit, NBLSA and Nike HBCU scholarships. She is actively engaged as a member of NBLSA, serves on the inaugural executive board of the Accelerated Pathways to Law School Program as director of student relations and has participated in the Truist Leadership Institute, which supports students in the development of their leadership and professional skills.

Outstanding Student of the Year – Laila Rahman-Latta ‘24, Visual and Performing Arts

A Cheatham-White Scholar in the Honors College, Rahman-Latta is a recipient of the 2024 A&T Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence and the CAHSS’ Outstanding Student Award, as well as founder and president of the Aggie Artist Alliance. She served as a Student Government Association senator for CAHSS and has her artwork credited in the recent DreamWorks movie,” Kung Fu Panda 4.”

FACULTY AWARDS

The four honored faculty members have exhibited a commitment to their roles as professors and mentors.

Excellence Award in Teaching – Frederick Smith, Ph.D.

Smith serves as an associate professor of cultural studies and anthropology in the Department of Liberal Studies. He also chairs the department’s curriculum committee and oversees its Global Studies Certificate Program. Smith has a wealth of publications and has been recognized for his exceptional advising, teaching and mentoring of students.

Excellence Award in Research – Pauline Uwakweh, Ph.D.

Uwakweh serves as a professor in the Department of English and teaches postcolonial African, African American and World literatures. She is an author and editor whose research focuses on migration, mobility, transnationalism, and the narratives of women writers from the African Diaspora. Her latest published booked is “Women Writers of the New African Diaspora: Transnational Negotiations and Female Agency.”

Excellence Award in Service – Andrew Kuo, M.A.

Kuo serves as a lecturer in the Department Criminal Justice and is chair of the department’s curriculum committee and several other committees. He is the faculty advisor for Alpha Phi Sigma and contributed to the development and design of the department’s two new graduate programs.

Excellence Award in Leadership – Travis Alexander, MM

Alexander serves as a lecturer in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and directs the award-winning N.C. A&T University Choir. He serves as mentor to many music students and serves numerous community organizations. He has been honored with the Celebrity Award from the Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center. Alexander recently secured a $100,000 gift from the Tom Joyner Foundation, with a contribution from music legend Stevie Wonder, to support A&T’s music program scholarships.