CBFA HANDS OUT AWARDS
The Coalition of Black Faculty and Administrators (CBFA) at Old Dominion University presented several awards during its second annual scholarship and awards ceremony and reception May 3.
Maggi Curry-Williams, associate vice president for student services, was recognized by the coalition for her 27-year career at Old Dominion. She is retiring at the end of the spring semester.
Beginning her career as assistant dean of students, Curry-Williams in 1977, under the direction of former President Alfred B. Rollins Jr., established the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, where she was assistant to the president and director. She received her doctorate in public administration and higher education law from Virginia Tech and served as an Old Dominion faculty member, teaching graduate students personnel administration, organization theory and women's studies courses in discrimination law.
A past president of CBFA, she is active in the community, especially in her church where she serves as minister of administration.
Julie Dodd, director of Old Dominion's Women's Center for more than 20 years, received the Distinguished Service Award. She serves on the President's Advisory Committee on AA/EEO and Diversity, the Women's Caucus Board and the Women's Studies Advisory Council.
Carolyn McCollum, academic adviser, coordinator of the Freshman Success Program and one of the founders of Ebony Impact Gospel Choir, received the Award for Excellence. A 28-year university employee, McCollum provides academic and career counseling to undecided or academically at-risk freshmen and transfer students.
CBFA scholarships were awarded to three ODU students:
Katrina Thornton � A sophomore from King and Queens County, Va., Thornton is a peer educator in Rogers Main Residence Hall, where she assists students in making the social and academic adjustments necessary when they begin college. She serves as public relations chair for Ebony Impact and has been involved in a number of community service projects with the choir.
Jessica L. Owens � A junior from Virginia Beach, Owens is a psychology/human services counseling major with a 3.60 grade point average. She works as an intake counselor at a women's health care facility.
Shameka M. Williams � A junior from Portsmouth majoring in graphic design with a minor in marketing, Williams works in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, Student Judicial Affairs, and is currently involved in a campuswide project for ODU President Roseann Runte that will recognize faculty and staff authors.