News Summary
Lander University in Greenwood, SC, recently honored two prominent leaders, Dr. Amanda Darden and Graham H. Duncan, for their exceptional contributions to education and the community. Dr. Darden received the ‘Woman of Influence’ award from GSA Business Report, while Duncan earned the prestigious Mary Frances Poole Alston Award. Both individuals exemplify outstanding leadership and a commitment to empowering others, making significant impacts within and beyond the university.
Exciting Awards at Lander University Highlight Exceptional Leadership
Greenwood, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as two remarkable leaders from Lander University have recently received significant recognition for their outstanding contributions and commitment to their roles. Dr. Amanda Darden and Graham H. Duncan are making waves not just on campus, but far beyond, proving that dedication and hard work do pay off!
Dr. Amanda Darden Named Woman of Influence
First up is Dr. Amanda Darden, Lander’s vice president for Student Experience and Quality Assurance, who has been honored as a Woman of Influence by GSA Business Report. This award is no small feat; it shines a spotlight on high-achieving women who have excelled in their careers, and it also celebrates their community involvement and commitment to mentoring others.
Joining Lander’s leadership team in 2022, Dr. Darden has quickly made her mark as the interim dean of students. Her passion for student success and retention shines through in her initiatives aimed at providing a holistic campus experience for students from South Carolina and elsewhere. Lander University is thriving under her guidance, standing out for its engaging co-curricular opportunities and vibrant student experiences.
What truly sets Dr. Darden apart is her emphasis on personal connections and flexibility in her leadership style. She is also dedicated to mentoring young women pursuing careers in higher education, ensuring the next generation of leaders feels supported and empowered.
Her impressive academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a master’s degree in educational curriculum and instruction from Radford University. She further advanced her education by earning a doctoral degree in higher education with a focus on leadership from Coastal Carolina University, where she was notably the first Ph.D. Candidate of the Year.
Graham Duncan Earns the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award
Not to be outshone, Graham H. Duncan has also been recognized for his exceptional work at Lander University. He was awarded the coveted Mary Frances Poole Alston Award for 2024, which comes with a $1,000 honorarium. This award is given to a faculty or staff member who has made a significant impact on both the university and the broader community.
Working as a staff writer and project coordinator for Lander’s Office of University Relations, Duncan has demonstrated an incredible ability to enhance the university’s visibility on a global scale. His contributions include not only top-notch writing but also creative input and relationship-building across various institutions—a true testament to his multifaceted talents!
Proud of his educational journey, Duncan earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Lander in 2017 and a master’s degree in English from Converse College in 2020. He also graduated from Lander’s prestigious Kauffmann Leadership Institute in 2023, proving he is more than just a noteworthy alumnus; he is a leader in the making.
In the classroom, Duncan showcases his expertise by teaching courses in writing, literature, and public relations communications. He has even shared his knowledge at national presentations on creative writing and literature, with some of his poetry published in various regional journals.
Beyond the classroom, Duncan’s involvement in the Lander community is extensive. He has served on the Lander University Staff Senate, even taking the role of chair in 2022, and has been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the 2024 Part-Time Faculty Member of the Year for the College of Arts and Humanities. He has previously snagged the Staff Excellence Award and the Margaret M. Bryant Award as well.
To top it all off, in recognition of his commitment to community service and volunteerism, Duncan was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 2021—a fitting honor for someone so dedicated to making a difference.
Both Dr. Amanda Darden and Graham Duncan exemplify what it means to be leaders in their fields, and their recent recognitions just reinforce how fortunate Lander University is to have such dedicated individuals shaping the future of education. Their hard work, inspiration, and leadership shine brightly, setting a brilliant example for students and colleagues alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Gathering
New Leadership Strengthens Career Development at Lander University
Lander University Graduates Over 460 Students, Including Many from Laurens County
Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Set for January 30
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Lander Vice President Among Women of Influence
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- GoLaurens: Duncan Named 2024 Recipient of Lander’s Prestigious Alston Award
- Google Search: Lander University awards
- GSA Business Report
- Google Scholar: leadership in higher education
