CSCC Recognizes Distinguished Honor Award Recipients

Andrea Byerly
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:00 AM
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CLEVELAND, TN – Three individuals have been recognized for their dedication and hard work at Cleveland State Community College. Caleb Chapman was selected as the 2024 Distinguished Graduate. Chrissy Pugh was selected as the Distinguished Staff Member and Margaret Horten was selected as the Distinguished Faculty Member.

Each year, nominations are submitted for our Distinguished Awards.  These prestigious awards recognize the outstanding service from a faculty member, a staff member, and an upcoming graduate that help to make Cleveland State Community College a great place. The award recipients will be recognized at the annual spring Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 3.
           
Distinguished Graduate, Caleb Chapman, has been an ambassador for Cleveland State in multiple capacities serving as a Peer Mentor and tour guide. He has been a work-study student in the Enrollment Services Office and has been featured in promotional campaigns for the college.

Chapman was a member and leader of the Men’s Basketball team for the past two years and has also been on the Honors and Deans list three out of five semesters. 

Chapman will graduate with an associate of science degree and plans to continue his education and playing career at a four-year college.

Distinguished Staff member, Chrissy Pugh, began her career at Cleveland State in 2019 as the Data and Support Specialist. She was promoted to Advancement Specialist in 2021 and now serves the college as the Advancement Coordinator. 

Pugh spearheads the annual Community First Awards and An Evening With events. Her planning and dedication have garnered praise from esteemed guests like Archie Manning, Tamika Catchings and Nicholas McCarthy. She has been a faithful member of the Blue and White Society for over three years.

Distinguished Faculty member, Margaret Horten, came to the college in 2006 as an adjunct faculty member and became a full-time instructor in 2009. She now serves as the Director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Cleveland State.  

With 44 years of experience in education, Horten continues to redesign the program curriculum to best develop future teachers. She offers the early childhood education courses at the Cleveland campus, the McMinn Higher Education Center and online.

Horten coordinates the annual Dr. Seuss Day at the college hosting hundreds of families and encouraging literacy at an early age. 

Cleveland State President, Dr. Andy White, said, “I congratulate these outstanding individuals for their service to the college. Their dedication is an inspiration to our entire campus community.”

Pictured above left to right: Chrissy Pugh, Distinguished Staff; Caleb Chapman, Distinguished Student; Dr. Andy White, Cleveland State President; Margaret Horton, Distinguished Faculty.