Dr. Brandon
Cleveland State Community College will hold its annual fall Commencement Ceremony this Saturday at 10 a.m. in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium. Drs. Robert Brandon and Victoria Bryan have been chosen as the keynote speakers for the occasion, since both were recognized at the spring Commencement ceremony for being selected as the 2017 Distinguished Faculty and Staff Members.
Dr. Brandon was the recipient of the Distinguished Staff award, presented each year to an individual who has performed meritorious service to Cleveland State—above and beyond the expectations of the job. This award is open to any CSCC employee other than those classified as executive, administrator or faculty.
Hired by the college in 2014, Dr. Brandon has always had an open door policy to help students, faculty and staff, according to his nomination form from a co-worker, who said, “Dr. Brandon is always willing to accept responsibilities and new tasks including serving as the interim Library director, Website Design and Early College. He is willing to teach classes when needed and always maintains a calm, caring attitude in very trying or demanding situations. He has excelled in guiding groups with different points of view toward a given project to find common ground. His skill in team-based project management has supported developments both within the division and for the college, including implementation of First Year Studies, development of Early College Pathways and revision of tutoring services. When the Law Enforcement Training program was added to his responsibilities, he embraced the opportunity to learn more about workforce development programs and initiated partnerships with local law enforcement agencies that have resulted in successful cohorts moving through the program. He has also worked closely with faculty and advisors to develop a pipeline of students for the AS in Criminal Justice.”
In addition to actively serving on the college campus, he is also involved in the community, participating in the Kiwanis Club, United Way, Chamber events, Allied arts and Junior Achievement.
Dr. Bryan was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award, given each year to a member of the Cleveland State faculty in recognition of meritorious service to the college and community.
According to her nomination form, Dr. Bryan has made a "profound impact on the college and has been instrumental in introducing many innovative and impactful new initiatives." Over the past few years, she has managed Cleveland State’s Honor’s program. During this time, she led the Honors Committee on a redesign effort that re-energized the program and transformed it into a thriving and vital part of CSCC’s success, officials said. As a part of her job as Honors coordinator, she is also responsible for mentoring the honors students.
"She is very intentional in making sure that she has a close relationship with each one to provide needed support throughout the student experience, and is quick to intervene if she sees someone who needs extra support or motivation. Both her students and her peers have recognized her exemplary service having been awarded a Cleveland State STAR Award by the Faculty Senate and the Favorite Instructor award by the Student Senate.
"In addition to her excellence in advising, her exceptional teaching and her scholarly work, she has also been a true champion for public service in our community. Her most impactful project has been the 'Turn the Page Book Club' that she created in 2014, and that currently operates in the Bradley County Jail. Her work with this program has positively impacted the lives of both the inmates that it serves, as well as CSCC students whom she has engaged with the project," officials said.
For those who are unable to attend the commencement ceremony, it will also be broadcast live online through the Cleveland State website at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
Dr. Bryan