Resident Director Telecia Taylor named “Shine, Black Girl, Shine” award recipient

February 6, 2019

STATESBORO, Ga. (Feb. 6, 2019)- This Black History Month, University Housing staff member Telecia Taylor has been named the inaugural recipient of the “Shine, Black Girl, Shine” Professional Staff Member of the Year Award from the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

Taylor, a resident director for Eagle Village on the Statesboro Campus, was nominated for the award based on her impact on the University, participation in community service, commitment to student academic success and her dedication to inclusive practices, student advocacy and mentorship.

“I generally shy away from the spotlight and push others to succeed,” she said, “but I’m so flattered to hear that people recognize my passion. As an immigrant, first-generation college student and woman of color, I take pride in being that representation for students in the hall and strive to mentor my students any chance I get.”   

And her dedication to being a role model and advocate for her students does not go unnoticed.

“Not only is she good at her primary responsibilities, but she is also amazing at knowing and supporting Georgia Southern students in a variety of contexts,” said Taylor’s nominator Assistant Director of Residential Learning Erin McFerrin. “From her work with the Lab Living-Learning Community, participating in alternative break events, nominating students of color for professional awards and focusing her RD assessment project on experience of students of color in the residence hall, Telecia has made strong connections with students, faculty and staff all over campus.”

An avid volunteer, Taylor has spent many days off serving on alternative break trips and encouraging her staff to join her for events like Treasure Savannah and the annual Chocolate Run. She sees service opportunities not only as a chance to give back to her community but also to bond with her staff and set a good example for the students she so deeply cares for.

“Those she has mentored have been lucky enough to have someone who is smart, supportive, truthful and caring in their corner- allowing them to reach their potential,” said McFerrin.

Taylor was honored out of a pool of 30 nominations across all three Georgia Southern campuses along with five other women representing categories from Armstrong Campus Student, Liberty Campus Student, Statesboro Campus Student, Faculty, Staff and Alumna.

The idea for the award started when the chairman of the OMA Black Heritage Celebration Month committee, Maurice Nelson, saw the opportunity to recognize an underrepresented subgroup of the black community. Nelson’s team, including University Housing staff member Chemar Johns, worked to establish an award that would ultimately inspire young black women to do great things.

“My hope is that the recipients and participants realize how valued they are as people,” said Nelson. “It is unfortunate that there is such a need to specifically empower any group, but until there is equality, or better yet, equity, across all lines, OMA will work to provide platforms so that underrepresented groups are recognized, empowered and included as important members of our Georgia Southern community.”

The awards were presented at the Black Women Empowerment Awards Show on Saturday, Feb. 2. The award will continue on as an annual tradition at Georgia Southern.