On Saturday, April 29th, The Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff (CBFS) hosted their 11th annual Academic Achievement Ceremony: Rooted in Black Excellence. CBFS, along with campus faculty, staff, students, and university officials gathered to celebrate undergraduate students who achieved a 3.0 GPA, graduate students who achieved a 3.5 GPA, and doctoral students who achieved a 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2022 semester.
MPA graduate student Latoya Uzoukwu was recognized at this ceremony for maintaining a 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2022 semester. Latoya was also awarded the MPA program’s Outstanding Graduate Award for the 2022-2023 academic year. She comments on her achievement by saying, “I felt fulfilled receiving both awards. It shows that hard work truly pays. The awards have encouraged me to want to proceed to a doctoral program.”
Dr. Susan Johnson, a professor in the MPA department, was also recognized at the CBFS Academic Achievement Ceremony. She received the “Champions of Black Success” award after being nominated by a student. In regard to the ceremony, Dr. Johnson says that “Receiving this honor came as a big surprise. I am honored to be recognized by a former student. Teaching is my passion and to know that I am making a difference means a great deal.”
MPA professor Dr. Patricia Shields was recognized with the “Champions of Black Success” award at this achievement ceremony as well. Dr. Shields is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and she was awarded the rank of University Distinguished Professor in 2020 and Regents’ Professor in 2021. She was also nominated by a student, and this student said “Dr. Patricia Shields has not only encouraged me to push harder, but she has also worked with me through very challenging times during the semester. She has mentored me and helped me grow bother academically and personally.”
Dr. Walter Wright also received the same recognition at this Academic Achievement Ceremony. Dr. Wright is a professor in the Legal Studies Program of the Department of Political Science and an Honorary Professor of International Studies. Following his attendance at the event, Dr. Wright says “It was an honor to receive this recognition, and I enjoyed the excitement of the students and their families during the ceremony. I could tell it was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.”
The Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff aims to provide leadership, support, and effective service at all institutional levels. The Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff also assists with recruitment, retention, progression, and the upward mobility of Black faculty, staff, and students. CBFS is dedicated to promoting unity, acknowledging black excellence, and gaining recognition within Texas State University & the San Marcos community.
