Community Engagement Awards

Augusta University's annual Excellence in Community Engagement Awards honor faculty, staff, students, and community partners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community engagement. Recipients are recognized for advancing AU’s mission by building partnerships that address community needs, enhance student learning, and strengthen civic engagement. Awardees are celebrated at Pancakes and Partnerships, a special event where the AU community gathers to recognize these outstanding efforts and the transformative impact of community engagement on campus and in the broader community.

2024-2025 Award Winners

Anna Reeves

Excellence in Community Engagement Undergraduate Student Award

Anna Reeves, an Integrated Studies major, has balanced full-time study with extraordinary service to the Augusta community. A business owner, parent and active church member, she also volunteers on seven local boards and promotes civic engagement through events and partnerships. This fall, she played a critical role in the Honors Program Student Association’s crochet drive for neonatal units, securing support from Project Linus to ensure the initiative's success. She plans to continue serving by teaching and mentoring future business leaders.

Mitchell Hanson

Excellence in Community Engagement Graduate Student Award

Mitchell Hanson, a MD/MPH candidate, was recognized for his leadership in healthcare advocacy and community-based service. As founder of the Augusta Free Dermatology Clinic and an active participant in student-led clinical programs, he has expanded care access while mentoring others. His work spans patient advocacy, educational outreach, and structural improvements in medical education and practice - making him a model of socially responsive healthcare leadership.

Ketarya Hunt Bass, MPH, MCHES

Excellence in Community Engagement Staff Award

Ketarya Hunt Bass, MPH, is the Director of Community Outreach Programs for The Dental College of Georgia. She was honored for her longstanding dedication to improving public health and advancing clinical outreach initiatives across Georgia. With more than 15 years of experience, she has led HRSA-funded programs that connect senior dental students with underserved populations, coordinated nearly 100 externships annually and has built strong partnerships across the state. Her work not only enhances student learning but also expands access to dental care in rural and marginalized communities.

Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice, PhD

Excellence in Service-Learning Faculty Award

Carrie Reif-Stice, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Communications. She was recognized for integrating service-learning into her Public Relations Campaigns and Social Media course, where students partnered with local businesses like 7Brew Coffee, Swank Co. and The Augusta Press. Her work not only equips students with real-world experience but strengthens community connections, promotes mutual growth through strategic campaign development, and fosters connections for emerging professionals, opening doors for future internships and employment.

Asociación Latina de Servicios del CSRA (ALAS)

Outstanding Community Partner Award

Nominated by Medical College of Georgia students, ALAS (Asociación Latina De Servicios Del CSRA) has made a significant impact in advancing health equity in the Augusta area. Through its collaboration with AU, it operates a freestanding clinic and supports more than 150 student volunteers and 75 licensed providers. Programs such as Peds 2U, the Vision Clinic and the Halo Clinic, demonstrate its innovative, community-focused approach to care while creating hands-on learning opportunities that shape culturally competent health professionals.

Presidential Luncheon Celebration

In addition to Pancakes and Partnerships, the 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement Award recipients were invited to a special luncheon with President Russell Keen and First Lady Karen Keen. The gathering served as an opportunity to honor their leadership, celebrate their contributions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about future community engagement initiatives.

Pictured left to right: Anna Reeves, Carrie Reif-Stice, Karen Keen, Russell Keen, Ketarya Hunt Bass, Abby Wolf (ALAS Board Representative), and Mitchell Hanson

2023-2024 Award Winners

Pam Cromer, DNP

Excellence in Service-Learning Faculty Award

Pam Cromer, DNP, is a professor in the College of Nursing. She was recognized for her decades-long innovative, interdisciplinary approach to community engagement. Notable projects she has led include the Costa Layman Farms Community Health Outreach Initiative, the Healthy Grandparents Program, and Horizon Truck Driver Clinic. Through the Horizon Clinic, Dr. Cromer and her team provide essential physicals to truck drivers lacking primary care providers. As co-director of the Healthy Grandparents Program, she supports 75 families monthly, offering critical resources to grandparents raising children. Her work continues to have a lasting impact on the community.

Danila Dokuchayev

Excellence in Community Engagement Student Award

Danila Dokuchayev, a Dental Hygiene major, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service and civic leadership throughout his time at Augusta University. In addition to volunteering at the Mission of Mercy clinic in North Carolina, the RAM Clinic in Georgia, and monthly free dental screenings at the Barnyard Flea Market, he has contributed to the Augusta Food Recovery Network, supporting both health and food security initiatives. On campus, Danila served on the Student Recruitment and Advisory Committee and led high school tours, sharing his passion for dental hygiene and inspiring prospective students. He plans to continue making a difference by promoting access to care and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Alison Rohdy

Excellence in Community Engagement Staff Award

Alison Rhody is the Brand Management Strategist in the Communications and Marketing Department. She was recognized for her instrumental role in strengthening Augusta University’s identity in the community. With more than 17 years of dedicated service, she has expanded the university’s brand portfolio, enhanced trademark and licensing processes, revitalized the campus store, and increased merchandise visibility both locally and online. Her strategic and creative leadership continues to foster pride in the AU brand and build lasting connections throughout the greater Augusta area.

Jenkins-White Elementary School

Outstanding Community Partner Award

Jenkins-White Elementary School has been an exceptional community partner with Augusta University for over six years, addressing challenges including high suspension rates in early-grade classrooms and low literacy outcomes. This partnership has grown to involve multiple AU departments, creating valuable interprofessional learning and service experiences. A standout initiative, the CLIMBE program, connects over 180 AU students with 250 K-3 students, offering innovative educational support. The collaboration has also raised over $80,000 through community service projects, benefiting local families. This ongoing partnership continues to positively impact the school and the Augusta community.

About the Awards

Excellence in Service-Learning Faculty Award

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member for significant contributions to service-learning and community engagement at AU, integrating these principles into their courses.

Excellence in Community Engagement Staff Award

This recognition is given to an AU staff member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating positive change through community service.

Excellence in Community Engagement Student Award

This award honors an AU undergraduate and graduate student for leadership in community service and contributions to local organizations through volunteering, outreach, or public service.

Outstanding Community Partner Award

This award recognizes a community partner for outstanding collaboration, providing valuable opportunities for AU students to engage with the community.

Award winners will join President Keen for a luncheon celebrating their leadership and dedication to community engagement, while exchanging ideas for future initiatives.

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