Braswell was among 24 emerging student leaders nominated for the Fall 2009 Semester award.

Faculty members Dr. Mary Jane Philips, Dr. Mark Vail, Dr. Jan Clark, and Dr. Carrie Cook all nominated Braswell for the honor.

Braswell “embodies the values and commitments of the liberal arts mission, particularly in regard to diversity and service,” Dr. Phillips wrote in her nomination.

“His involvement in a vast range of campus organizations speaks to his commitment to his community,” said Dr. Vail and Dr. Clark in their nominations.

Braswell of Hephzibah, Ga., has served as historian for the Entrepreneurship Residential Learning Community and was an active participant in the Leadership Certificate Program. He also has been an active member of Academic Outreach and Black Student Alliance.

Demonstrating his talents as a leader, his participation in SOAR has led to a leadership role as a mentor this year, while his dedication to the Swing and Salsa Club has advanced him to a leadership role as instructor.

The rhetoric major also serves as a member of the YES Program in which he has ardently assumed a strong leadership role through tutoring while aiding in the planning and leadership of group activities.

The Latino Student Alliance, Diversity Team, and Art as an Agent for Change are all benefiting from his commitment to tolerance and acceptance through respect for diversity, Dr. Vail and Dr. Clark stated in their recommendations.

“In addition to his active campus life, he is managing an 18-hour course load,” Dr. Cook noted. “He is a conscientious and diligent student who portrays extreme competence in class discussion and assignments. I nominated this student because I believe he deserves to be recognized for his volunteerism and efforts to impact both GCSU and the local community.”

For his distinction as Emerging Student Leader of the Semester, Braswell receives a certificate and a private luncheon with Georgia College President Dorothy Leland. He also has become a finalist for the ODK Emerging Student Leader of the Year Award to be presented at the Bobcat Awards ceremony in April.