2019 Annual Alumni Awards distributed

Each year, the Alumni Association honors graduates who are making a difference in their jobs, in churches, in community service and in promoting the university’s mission. Learn about this year’s winners who nominated by peers and selected by the Alumni Association selection committee.

Alumnus Community Service Award: Awarded posthumously to Julian Smith ’74

Julian Smith, known to some as the Father of the Bridge Run, went straight from CSU to MUSC. In 1988, he was named director of the new MUSC Wellness Center, one of his duties being to serve on the board of the Cooper River Bridge Run. He took over as race director in 1994. His work as director of the Cooper River Bridge Run helped turn the race into one of the premier 10k races in the country, growing from 7,000 participants to 40,000 runners and walkers and a $30 million impact on the community. Sadly, he passed away from cancer on March 22.  

Young Alumnus of the Year: Adam Kirtley ’15

Upon graduation, Adam Kirtley became a scientist, working his way to a job at Boeing, now working in support of the U.S. Air Force in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Kirtley remains involved with Charleston Southern, sending information on potential careers for graduating students, both at Boeing or elsewhere. Along with his full-time job at Boeing and his service to CSU, Kirtley is a husband, a father, a graduate student at LSU, and serves on the Board of Visitors for CSU, all at the age of 26.  

Outstanding Alumnus of the Year: Andy Casson ’03

Andy Casson has spent the last 15 years as a counselor and student support specialist with the nonprofit organization, Communities in Schools, where he helps students and families in need of personal and educational guidance.  He also serves his former high school as a Track and Field coach. Using both these platforms, Casson guides students in making healthy life choices, building healthy relationships and learning to serve others.  

Alumnus Service Award: Lecius Moorer ’00

Lecius Moorer has been a model of involvement with CSU over the past 12 plus years. She demonstrated her dedication to the university during her time as an Alumni Board member then serving as the CSU Alumni Association President from 2015-2017. She has also been generous with her resources, providing scholarship assistance to students through the Board of Visitors program and the endowed scholarship program.

Military Service Award: Colonel Greg L. Woodbury ’87

Col. Greg Woodbury, retired this summer after 30 years of service as a chaplain in the United States Air Force. Prior to retirement, he served as Command Chaplain, U.S. Southern Command, serving U.S. military forces and advising allied national chaplaincies in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Prior to this position, he served as Command Chaplain, U.S. Air Forces Central, in the Middle East and Central Asia. He has been hailed as a muddy boots chaplain for his willingness to go the extra mile to meet the needs of warriors wherever they may be found. 

University Mission Award: Dr. Frankie Melton Jr. ’95

Dr. Frankie Melton is an assistant professor of Christian studies at North Greenville University and a full-time pastor at Heath Springs Baptist Church. Prior to teaching at NGU, he served as an adjunct professor at Anderson University and as a pastor in South Carolina, Kentucky and Indiana.  He faithfully works in his community with area churches and has supported CSU as a member of the Board of Trustees and worked hard to establish endowed scholarships for students. He holds a master of divinity and a doctor of philosophy from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Keith Faulkner ’98

Keith Faulkner is the dean of the School of Law at Liberty University. Formerly, he was the interim dean at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University and dean of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell. During his time at Liberty Law School, Liberty has ranked #7 in the country for bar passage (2018), enjoyed the highest bar passage and employment outcomes in school history, created and launched two new law clinics, an Intellectual Property Clinic and a Poverty Law Clinic in partnership with Virginia Legal Aid Society, been ranked the Most Devout Law School three years in a row, ranked two out of the last three years in top 16 Moot Court Programs nationally, ranked #4 nationally in Overall ABA Competitions Outcomes, ranked 5th in the World in Negotiations 2017, was recognized as a Top 25 Law School for Producing Prosecutors and Public Defenders, and Top 20 Law School for Practical Training, and more. He is a U.S. Navy veteran.

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