Student Employees Honored for Outstanding Work

Left to right: Dr. Joshua Reece, assistant professor of biology; Erin Powell, graduate assistant; Erika Schumacher, student assistant; Amber Albritton, graduate assistant; and Dr. James LaPlant, dean of the Graduate School.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University honored its hardest working student employees during the annual National Student Employment Week Luncheon Thursday, April 17, in the Student Union Ballroom. During the event, Erika Schumacher was named Student Assistant of the Year.

Nominated by Dr. Joshua Reece, assistant professor of biology at VSU, Shumacher was described as one of the most intelligent, punctual, independent and hard-working students at the university. The sophomore biology major has assisted Reece in his study of climate change, sea level rise and biodiversity, and her contributions were part of a recent symposium at East Carolina State University.

The Graduate School recognized Amber Albritton and Erin Powell as Graduate Assistants of the Year for their outstanding work.

Albritton is currently pursuing a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy. Known for delivering a high caliber of guidance, she is recognized for streamlining processes as a graduate assistant in the Graduate School. She is often requested by name by students and is said to work on days when she is scheduled to be off of work.

A graduate assistant in the Access Office, Powell joined the office as an intern during her undergraduate studies. During her internship, she served as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. After learning close captioning, completing several large projects and earning her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, she was offered a graduate assistantship with the office while pursuing her master’s degree. Powell is the first graduate assistant ever hired in the position of ASL interpreter.   

Fifty-four students were recognized as nominees for Student Assistant of the Year and Graduate Assistant of the Year. The awards were presented during National Student Employment Week, which was observed April 14-18.