Special to the Journal

An assistant professor in the College of Sciences and Health Professions and a writer in the Office of University Communications received Albany State University’s top honors as teacher and staff employee of the year at the University’s Honors Day Program March 25 in the HPER Gymnasium.

Cathy Williams, assistant professor of nursing in the College of Sciences and Health Professions, is the 2011 Teacher of the Year at ASU. Joseph West, publications specialist in the Office of University Communications, is the University’s 2011 Staff Employee of the Year. Williams and West exemplify the best the University has to offer, according to ASU President Dr. Everette J. Freeman.

“The performance of these two individuals over the past year has been nothing short of exceptional,” Freeman said. “They were very instrumental in the University’s accomplishments and success this year.”

Williams, who was also the ASU College of Sciences and Health Professions Teacher of the Year in 2010, describes herself as a lifelong learner who endeavors to enhance the student learning process.

“I’m proud to be an active participant in the students’ learning process,” Williams said. “I know that I’ve succeeded when students say they’ve learned and I can see the evidence.”

West, who has been employed at the University since 2003, credits his success to the exceptional group of staff members that surround him at ASU.

“You can’t find a better group of employees anywhere,” West said. “It’s my pleasure to be able to work with this talented group of people. I learn something new and valuable from everyone I work with on a daily basis. I am excited and happy to represent them as staff employee of the year. At ASU, staff makes it happen.”

PHOTOS BY REGINALD CHRISTIAN/ASU

Cathy Williams, ASU 2011 Teacher of the Year

Joseph West (right), ASU’s 2011 Staff Employee of the Year, receives a plaque from ASU President Dr. Everette J. Freeman at the ASU Honors Day Program.