Graduate Student Honors USM Nursing Faculty with Prestigious Award
Tue, 08/23/2022 - 12:05pm | By: Van Arnold
Pictured left to right: Dr. Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Dr. Tanya Funchess, SFC September D. Wallace, Mrs. Jacqueline Sims, Mrs. Vickie Reed
University of Southern Mississippi (USM) graduate student and Mississippi Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Daquan Smith honored members of the USM nursing faculty with a prestigious award on Monday, August 22 to show his appreciation for the support and training he has received while pursing a Master of Science in Public Health and Administration degree.
Dr. Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Dr. Tanya Funchess, Mrs. Jacqueline Sims, and Mrs. Vickie Reed were presented with the Patriot Award, provided by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve through the Office of Secretary of Defense. The award recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by a Guardsman or Reservist employee for support provided directly to the nominator. Spouses of Service members are also eligible to nominate their supportive supervisor.
Smith is currently participating in the U.S. government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Internship Program. A travel conflict prevented him from attending the presentation ceremony, but he offered some comments via email.
“Ever since I have inquired about attending Southern Miss you all have welcomed me with welcoming arms,” said Smith. “When I was accepted into the MPH program and as a graduate assistant, I had no idea of what to expect or what I would learn. With your guidance and everlasting support, you embraced me as a student but also as a young man and professional in the greatest and toughest moments. Thank you for expanding my knowledge and inspiration enabling an enthusiasm in myself to become a true change agent in health and other people's lives as you have done with me.”
SFC September D. Wallace, 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Camp Shelby, was on hand to deliver the awards.