The Woods Leadership Award is presented annually to a middler at the School of Theology who has successfully taken the initiative in assuming a leadership role in the class during their junior year. This year’s award was given to M.Div. student Jamie Lee Osborne, T’17, from the Diocese of Alabama.
The award’s recipient is decided by the dean and faculty of the School of Theology and was announced at the University of the South’s Founders’ Day convocation on Oct.
16.
“Jamie is a quiet, reflective, but powerful leader,” said the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, dean of the School of Theology, as to why he was the school’s choice this year. “Jaime embodies the temperament of effective leadership both within the School of Theology and the larger Sewanee community. His presence among us has made a measurable difference in our common life. He is a deserving recipient of the Woods Leadership Award.”
For the purposes of identifying the recipient of this award, leadership is defined as the ability to bring people together into a cooperative community to accomplish assigned tasks and to identify and implement strategies, goals, and programs. Established by Granville Cecil Woods and James Albert Woods, the award recognizes and encourages the students of the School of Theology who make a significant contribution to the quality of the community’s life.
When asked to comment on receiving the award, Mr. Osborne said, “I am humbled to receive the Woods Leadership Award. I hold the dean and faculty of the School of Theology in the highest regard and I am honored by their selection. I would like to thank my wife, Lauren, for her love and support. I am also grateful for the support of many who have made it possible for me to be here—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Ala.; the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama; and my friends and family. Finally, I'd like to thank my classmates who have dedicated their lives in service to the Church and the world. Their leadership inspires me.”