Home Harrisonburg: JMU honors faculty and staff with President’s Purple Star Awards
Local News

Harrisonburg: JMU honors faculty and staff with President’s Purple Star Awards

Crystal Graham
jmu
(© Anne Richard – stock.adobe.com)

James Madison University recently honored individuals with the 2024 President’s Purple Star Awards. The faculty and staff recognition took place at a recent welcome event.

The awards highlight the achievements of faculty and staff across several categories from career achievement to leadership and innovation. Recipients are nominated by peers.

“We are grateful for and appreciative of this year’s Purple Star Award recipients, whose dedication and innovation reflect the heart of our university’s mission,” said Charlie King, JMU’s president. “We applaud their tireless efforts to foster an inclusive and forward-thinking community,” said King.

2024 President’s Purple Star Award recipients

Career Achievement Award

  • Valarie Ghant
  • Debbie Morris

Star Duke

  • Chloe Sikhrangkur

Unsung Hero

  • Ritter Clevenger

Embracing Innovation and Change Award

  • Rita Poteyeva

Leading Together Award

  • Robin Bryan

Student Focus – Success and Learning Award

  • University Career Center including Tiffany Taylor Corbin, Claire Denny, Michael Dondzila, Kaitlyn English, Kay Forshey, Emma Gibbons, Rose Guo, Hadgu Hadgu, Alyssa Hawley, Laura Yu Hickerson, Buffi Holland, Ginny Kasch, Sarah Koerner, Ashley May Maher, Jacklyn Snyder, Sam Squyars, Colleen Waller, Yibin Wei and Libby Westley

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.