Black Faculty and Staff Organization
at the University of Georgia
2025 BFSO Award Recipients
Please join us in celebrating recipients of the
2025 BFSO Founders Awards, Myron G. Burney Service Award, Melanie A. Burden Community Award, and Mark Dawkins Leadership Award, and Ed Wilker Memorial Egalitarian Staff Awards.
Trey Wilson
The 2025 Recipient of the
Undergraduate Student
BFSO Founders Award
​
Verner (Trey) Wilson is a Finance and Management Information Systems double major in Terry College of Business. Trey makes significant contributions to the student community through a variety of roles in many student organizations. Not only is he very involved across campus, Trey is emerging leader in the community through entrepreneurship and conducting impactful research.
Catherine Asiimwe
The 2025 Recipient of the
Graduate Student
BFSO Founders Award
​
Catherine is doctoral student in Financial Planning in the
College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Her vision for empowering others through financial literacy and commitment to addressing socioeconomic disparities is reflective of her commitment to community.
Corey Straughter
The 2025 Recipient of the
Myron G. Burney
Service Awards
​
Corey is an Economics major in the Terry College of Business. Corey is a student whose commitment to service defines his identity, shapes his leadership, and strengthens the University of
Georgia community both on and beyond campus. His service record is not just extensive—it’s impactful,
intentional, and grounded in a genuine desire to uplift the people and communities around him.
Janyia Hightower
The 2025 Recipient of the
Melanie A. Burden
Community Award
​
Janyia Hightower is an extraordinary student leader whose unwavering dedication to service, mentorship,
and the empowerment of young women. Since her first year at the University of Georgia, Janyia has demonstrated exceptional emotional
intelligence, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership—qualities that have allowed her to create
meaningful, lasting impact across campus.
Nancy Alila
The 2025 Recipient of the
Mark Dawkins Leadership Award
​
Nancy’s accomplishments as a student leader at UGA have been nothing short of remarkable.
While excelling in her doctoral program, she has dedicated herself to serving students and improving
student life, especially for international students. Not only is Nancy an outstanding leader, she is a kind,
compassionate, and generous person. Her commitment to leadership excellence exemplifies the work of Dr.
Mark Dawkins.
Thank you to the Scholarship Committee!
Thank you to the following members of BFSO that served on the Scholarships and Awards committee:
Adam Chen
Candice Lawrence
Kayla McKinney
Takenya Moore
Troy Rucker
Garren Walker
The 2025
Ed Wilker
Memorial Egalitarian Awards
This award is inspired by the late Mr. Ed Walker, a founding member of BFSO. He championed equal rights for all, especially those employed at the University of
Georgia. This award recognizes staff members who demonstrate occupational excellence consistently.
Chelita Edwards
Department of Kinesiology
Mary Frances Early
College of Education
Tonya Cox
Entomology
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Nichole McCorkle
Epidemiology & Biostatistics
College of Public Health