Award Criteria

The Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics ÌÇÐÄVLOG Award: Undergraduate and Graduate

This award recognizes all-around outstanding final-year students in the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics (SFSSM).  Three student awards are presented annually in the following categories: one South Carolina Corps of Cadets student, one Citadel Graduate College student (including evening undergraduate students), and one Veteran/Active Duty student.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Must be receiving a degree in a program housed within the SFSSM.
  • GPA of 3.5 or greater.
  • GPR Scoring Guidelines: Score 5 if GPR is equal to or greater than 3.9; score 4 if GPR is 3.8-3.9; Score 3 if GPR is 3.7-3.8; Score 2 if 3.6-3.7; Score 1 if GPR is less than 3.6.
  • Other Academic Achievements may include consecutive Gold Stars, research, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, internships, study abroad, and other academic awards and honors, etc. Score 1 point for each activity up to a total of 5.
  • Extracurricular Activities may include capstone projects, leadership accomplishments, participation in departmental and school activities/clubs, Summerall Guards, sports teams, etc. Score 1 point for each activity up to a total of 5.
  • Service to Community and SFSSM/ÌÇÐÄVLOG should be identified and explained in the nomination (e.g. volunteer activities during breaks, tutoring, helping with CASM Banquet, etc.) Score 1 point for each activity up to a total of 5.
  • An Other factor category provides the Recognition Committee members the opportunity to include character, judgment and other important attributes into the evaluation.
  • All criteria are weighted equally.

Nominations should include a resume (maximum of two pages, 10 point font minimum) and a supporting letter (500 words or less) that describes why the individual should be selected as an SFSSM Outstanding student.  Candidates competitive for the award will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service to others, and participation in high-impact activities.  Departments may nominate no more than one student in each of the above categories.

Beyond GPA, examples of outstanding academic performance might include Gold Stars, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations, among others.  Leadership is not limited to that inside ÌÇÐÄVLOG; exemplary civic and community leadership is encouraged.  High-impact practices include undergraduate research, internships, capstone projects, service learning, and study abroad, among others.

Submittal process: Nominations for student awards will be made by each department head or their designee and submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu.  Review of nominations will be accomplished by the Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics (CASM) Recognition Committee and a recommendation of the outstanding student in each category will be made to the SFSSM Dean by the second Friday in February.

Deadline: Last day of Fall Semester.

Recipients of the outstanding SFSSM student award in each category will be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony and receive a certificate and a check for $250. Departmental nominees that are nominated for this award but not selected as the most outstanding student award will also be recognized at the banquet and receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishments.

The CASM Early Career Faculty Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a current non-tenured SFSSM faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence and distinction in teaching, scholarship, research and related creative activities, professional service and leadership. This award highlights the impactful contributions of faculty who are in the “early career stage” of their academic careers and who exemplify a strong commitment to students, the institution and their discipline.

Nominations must be made by a current faculty member and must include a nomination letter from the individual submitting the nomination and a current resume/vitae of the nominee, a support letter from the respective Department Head, and a minimum of one support letter from a current or past student. Additional support letters are encouraged.  The nomination and support letters should describe how the nominated faculty member meets the criteria below and should include specific examples of teaching excellence, student engagement, institutional contributions, and classroom innovation.  Submittal Process: Nominations for the Early Career Faculty Award should be submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu. Nominations will be forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee for review and evaluation. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.  

Deadline: 1 May of each year.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Term of Service: The recipient has been a tenure-track SFSSM faculty member for less than 15 years by the time of nomination.  Consideration will be gto the longevity of service to SFSSM and to ÌÇÐÄVLOG.
  • Teaching Excellence and ÌÇÐÄVLOG Engagement: The recipient demonstrates exceptional teaching skills and innovative pedagogical approaches, engaging and mentoring students and fostering a dynamic environment that facilitates student growth and success.
  • Research and Scholarship: The recipient exhibits a strong record of research, scholarly activities, and contributions to their field, showcasing intellectual curiosity, creativity, and making lasting contributions to SFSSM, ÌÇÐÄVLOG, and their profession.
  • Service and Institutional Contributions: The recipient shows a commitment to serving SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG through active participation in committees, events, and initiatives.
  • Potential for Long-Term Impact and Leadership: The recipient maintains high ethical standards and exhibits leadership in all activities serving as a role model for peers, students, and alumni.
  • Awardees will receive an award and be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony during Corps week.

 The CASM Distinguished ÌÇÐÄVLOG and Friends award

The purpose of this award is to recognize Distinguished ÌÇÐÄVLOG and Friends of SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG who demonstrated exceptional accomplishments and leadership in their profession, community, industry, ÌÇÐÄVLOG, and SFSSM while having a positive impact on mankind and serving as a role model for others. 

Nominations of exceptional alumni must include a nomination letter from the individual submitting the nomination and a current resume/vitae of the recipient.  Additional support letters are encouraged.  The nomination and support letters should describe how the nominee meets the criteria below and should include specific examples of professional leadership and achievement, service, and commitment to SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG. The inductee must either have a background in or have contributed to a discipline relevant to SFSSM. We encourage nominations of exceptional alumni who are early in their career (within 15 years of graduating from ÌÇÐÄVLOG); these nominations will be evaluated separately from the more established nominees. At most, one early career inductee may be selected each year.  ÌÇÐÄVLOG and members of the CSMC and SFSSM faculty are requested to submit nominations for the distinguished alumni and friends award to ssm@citadel.edu (opens in a new tab). Nominations will be forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Leadership and Influence: The recipient exhibits strong leadership qualities and has a significant influence on their profession, community, or sphere of influence, inspiring others through their actions and achievements.
  • Professional Achievement and Distinction: The recipient demonstrates exceptional accomplishments and contributions in their field, community, or industry, leaving a lasting positive impact and serving as a role model for others.
  • Service to Society and Community: The recipient exhibits integrity and a demonstrated commitment to community service by bettering the lives of others.
  • Service and Support of the Citadel:   The recipient’s deeds and actions reflect the importance of their educational training, pride in their alma mater, and loyalty to the SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG as demonstrated through their interest, actions, and support of SFSSM students and activities.
  • Commitment to ÌÇÐÄVLOG’s Values and Other Factors: The recipient embodies the core values of ÌÇÐÄVLOG (honor, duty, state, and country) and displays a strong connection and ongoing support for the institution’s mission and vision.
  • Other Factors: This criteria provides the Recognition Committee members the opportunity to include character, judgment, and other important attributes into their evaluation.

Deadline: 1 May of each year.

Selection process: All reviews will be made by the CASM Recognition Committee (see below for members). All criteria are weighted equally.

Awardees will receive an award and be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony during Corps week.

 The CASM Distinguished Faculty award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a SFSSM faculty member (current, past, or retired) who demonstrated excellence and distinction in teaching, scholarship, research and related creative activities, and professional service throughout their career at ÌÇÐÄVLOG. This prestigious award is a once in a career award.

Nominations must be made by a current faculty member and must include a nomination letter from the individual submitting the nomination and a current resume/vitae of the nominee, a support letter from the respective Department Head/Dean, and a minimum of one support letter from a current or past faculty member. Additional support letters are encouraged especially from students.  The nomination and support letters should describe how the nominated faculty member meets the criteria below and should include specific examples of teaching excellence, student engagement, institutional contributions, and lasting contributions to SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG.  Nominations should be submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu (opens in a new tab) and forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.

Deadline: 1 May of each year.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Term of Service: The recipient has been a SFSSM tenured faculty member for more than 15 years by the time of nomination.  Consideration will be given to the longevity of service to SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG.
  • Teaching Excellence and ÌÇÐÄVLOG Engagement: The recipient demonstrates exceptional teaching skills and innovative pedagogical approaches, engaging and mentoring students and fostering a dynamic environment that facilitates student growth and success.
  • Research and Scholarship: The recipient exhibits a strong record of research, scholarly activities, and contributions to their field, showcasing intellectual curiosity, creativity, and making lasting contributions to SFSSM, ÌÇÐÄVLOG, and their profession.
  • Service and Institutional Contributions: The recipient shows a commitment to serving SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG through active participation in committees, events, and initiatives.
  • Long-Term Impact and Leadership: The recipient maintains high ethical standards and exhibits leadership in all their activities serving as role model for peers, students and alumni making a lasting contribution to SFSSM, ÌÇÐÄVLOG, and their profession.

Selection process: All reviews and decisions will be made by the CASM Recognition Committee (see below for members). All criteria are weighted equally.

Awardees will receive an award and be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony during Corps week.

The CASM Non-Tenure-Line/Adjunct Professor Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize an SFSSM non-tenure-line/adjunct faculty member (current, past, or retired) who demonstrates exceptional teaching ability, commitment to teaching excellence, and professionalism. 

Nominations must be made by a current faculty member and must include a nomination letter from the individual submitting the nomination, a current resume/vitae of the nominee, a support letter from the respective Department Head, and a minimum of one support letter from a current or past student. Additional support letters are encouraged.  The nomination and support letters should describe how the adjunct faculty member meets the criteria below and should include specific examples of teaching excellence, student engagement, institutional contributions, and classroom innovation.  Nominations should be submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu (opens in a new tab) and forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Term of Service: The recipient has been an non-tenure-line/adjunct faculty member of SFSSM for at least 3 years by the time of nomination.  Consideration will be given to the longevity of service to SFSSM.
  • Teaching Excellence and ÌÇÐÄVLOG Engagement: The recipient demonstrates exceptional teaching skills, utilizing effective educational methods, fostering student engagement, and contributing to the overall quality of education.
  • ÌÇÐÄVLOG Interactions: The recipient engages with students beyond the classroom, providing guidance, mentorship, and support that positively influences their academic progress and personal growth.
  • Innovative Instructional Practices: The recipient exhibits creativity in instructional techniques, incorporating innovative approaches that enhance learning outcomes and adapts to diverse student needs.
  • Collaboration and Dedication: The recipient actively contributes to the academic community through service activities, collaborating with colleagues, participating in departmental initiatives, and enhancing the overall learning environment.

Deadline:  1 May of each year.

Selection process: All reviews will be made by the CASM Recognition Committee (see below for members). All criteria are weighted equally.

Awardees will receive an award and be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony during Corps week.

The CASM Staff Award

The purpose of the CASM Staff Award is to recognize individuals (current, past, or retired) that demonstrate excellence and professionalism in support of SFSSM actions and personnel. 

Nominations must be made by a current SFSSM employee and must include a nomination letter, current resume, and position description.  Additional support letters are encouraged especially from SFSSM faculty, staff, and students.  The nomination and support letters should describe how the support staff member meets the criteria below and should include specific examples of self-motivation, problem solving, teamwork, and professionalism.  Nominations should be submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu (opens in a new tab) and forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.

Deadline:  1 May of each year.

Criteria to be considered include:

  • Term of Service: The recipient has been an SFSSM support staff member for at least 3 years by the time of nomination.  Consideration will be given to the longevity of service to SFSSM.
  • Effective Communication and Collaboration: The recipient exhibits excellent communication skills, and collaborates effortlessly with academic staff, colleagues, students, and stakeholders, contributing to positive interactions and operational efficiency.
  • Leadership and Professionalism: The recipient upholds the highest ethical standards, maintains confidentiality, and demonstrates leadership while fostering an inclusive environment that respects diversity and values all individuals.
  • Problem-Solving and Innovation: The recipient displays problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges and discovers innovative solutions that streamline processes and benefit SFSSM.
  • Initiative and Teamwork: The recipient demonstrates teamwork, initiative, innovation, imagination, and independent thinking to produce workable solutions to routine problems.

Selection process: All reviews will be made by the CASM Recognition Committee (see below for members). All criteria are weighted equally.

Awardees will receive an award and be recognized at the annual Citadel Academy of Science and Mathematics awards ceremony during Corps week.

CASM Posthumous ÌÇÐÄVLOG Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize Posthumous SFSSM ÌÇÐÄVLOG who: (1) exhibited exceptional accomplishments and leadership in their profession, community, and industry; (2) had a positive impact on mankind; (3) served as a role model for others; and (4) exhibited strong support for the Citadel and/or SFSSM.  Individuals nominated for this award must have a background in or have contributed to a discipline relevant to SFSSM.  A maximum of 1-2 Posthumous ÌÇÐÄVLOG Awards may be made annually. Nominations should be submitted digitally to ssm@citadel.edu (opens in a new tab) and forwarded to the Chairperson of the CASM Recognition Committee. Questions should be addressed to Adele Hunt, Assistant to the Dean.

Deadline: Nominations for this award may be submitted at any time.  Nominations received by 30 June will be considered for the following CASM Awards Celebration.  The review of nominations will be accomplished by the CASM Awards Selection Committee and recommendation for the award winners made to the SFSSM Dean.

Criteria for this award includes:

  • Professional Accomplishments and Leadership: The recipient exhibited exceptional professional accomplishments and leadership in a discipline related to a SFSSM Department
  • Role Model and Mentor: The recipient served as a role model and mentor for others during their professional and personal life.
  • Integrity and Community Service: The recipient exhibited integrity and a commitment to community service and actions that improve the lives of others.
  • Core Values: The recipient exhibited the core values of ÌÇÐÄVLOG (Honor, Duty, State, Country) in their professional and personal lives.
  • Support of SFSSM and ÌÇÐÄVLOG: The recipient displayed a strong connection to and support for ÌÇÐÄVLOG and SFSSM.

The family of posthumous award winners will be honored at the CASM Awards Celebration and will receive a resolution honoring the awardee.  The individuals developing posthumous nominations will work with the Awards Committee to develop the resolution. Nominations for this award must be made by a current or past CASM member, Citadel alumnus, or SFSSM faculty member and must include a nomination letter and a resume or biography for the nominee.  Support letters from SFSSM/CASM alumni are encouraged. The nomination and support letters should describe how the nominated individual meets the above criteria and should summarize the individual’s commitment to professional excellence, the Citadel’s core values, and service to others.

Selection Process: All criteria will be weighted equally.

The CASM Recognition Committee

The Recognition Committee for all of the CASM awards is a subcommittee of the Citadel Science and Mathematics Council. The composition of the Recognition Committee should include CASM members (6-7) representing as many SFSSM disciplines and department as practical and should include 2-3 senior SFSSM faculty members (tenured faculty and/or Department Heads). SFSSM faculty members interested in serving on the Committee should contact the Dean and/or Recognition Committee Chairperson.

The 2026 members of the selection committee were:

  • Dr. Fred Holland ’64 – Chair
  • Dr. Mike Johns ‘72
  • COL Randy Ball ’75
  • Dr. Hamp Sherard ’66
  • Mr. Jeff Stevenson ’91
  • Dr. Reza Ghaffari, ’80
  • Dr. Hank Yochum, Physics
  • Dr. John Weinstein, Biology
  • Dr. Shankar Banik, Cyber and Computer Science