Presidential Legacy Awards

Description: The Presidential Legacy awards are the most purposeful and driving force of the ExCEL Awards Program. Each Presidential Legacy Award honors and acknowledges the exceptional legacy of each of our Presidential Leaders of the College of Charleston. 

Leo Higdon Legacy for Outstanding Leadership

Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award recognizes a nominee who exemplifies the highest standards of professional, social, and cultural leadership – one who has given freely of time and energy to the promotion of excellence in education. The nominee realizes that leadership skills are life skills and that leadership is a process, not a position. The nominee believes that leaders are developed and not born and commits to engaging and preparing students for leadership roles and their role in society while adhering to the College of Charleston core values: Integrity, Academic Excellence, Liberal Arts Education, and Respect for the individual student, enhancing diversity, and public mission.

Alexander Sanders Legacy for Outstanding Public Service

Criteria:  Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award recognizes a nominee who has positively affected the quality of the campus environment or the quality of service delivery to students, colleagues, and/or local community members in the areas of leadership, valuing people, and understanding of the needs of those who are affected by public policies. Nominee should demonstrate excellence in the achievement of results, commitment to social responsibilities, serving the educational needs of the student, faculty, and staff while exemplifying the values, ethics, and priorities of public service.

Theodore Stern Legacy for Visionary Award

Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award goes to the nominee leading the charge of his/her department or division. The nominee exemplifies the qualities of a true leader, is a visionary, a pacesetter, a colleague with expertise, and has a continuing commitment to their leadership activities. The nominee understands that changes need to be anticipated and responded to if growth for the campus is going to continue for years to come. According to Ted Stern  a person should “lead by example, have a moral compass, give to others, follow through - don’t leave anything hanging, never demean others, be fair, don’t cheat, and contribute to society.

Harry Lightsey Legacy for Humanitarian Award

Criteria: Nominees can be permanent and full-time employees at the College for at least three years, or currently enrolled-full-time students who are in good standing with the College or community members that has collaborated with any of the six academic schools, departments, or offices at the College for at least two years. This award goes to the nominee leading the charge of his/her department or division. The nominee exemplifies the qualities of a true leader, is a visionary, a pacesetter, a colleague with expertise, and has a continuing commitment to their leadership activities. The nominee understands that changes need to be anticipated and responded to if growth for the campus is going to continue for years to come.