Alumni Association
Alumni Association – You Belong!
The purpose of the Piedmont University Alumni Association is to foster a connection between alumni and the university. By supporting the goals and objectives of Piedmont, we strive to build a community of alumni while contributing to the ongoing success of the University.
Who belongs to the Association? YOU DO. All Piedmont graduates are automatically members for life and there are NO dues. Currently there are approximately 22,000 alumni worldwide.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
The Alumni Association Board (AAB) is a working board responsible for advising its administrators and providing input concerning alumni programs, fundraising, events, student opportunities, and/or other alumni experiences. The AAB is essentially a collective of uniquely skilled individuals responsible for ensuring the Alumni Association continues to excel and support the mission of the University.
Members of the AAB play an important role in strengthening and enhancing all relationships among alumni, faculty, administration, students, and governing bodies of the University.
Serving on the Alumni Association board is a very enriching experience. Would you like to serve or know someone you would like to nominate? Complete the nomination form or contact Amelia Esther at aesther@piedmont.edu or 706-776-0104.
Officers of the Alumni Association Board
| President – Cale Padgett ’09 |
| Vice President – Morgan George ’17, M ’18 |
| Secretary – Lisa Black M ’01, Ed.S. ’07 |
| Treasurer – Dock Sisk ‘72 |
| Alumni Trustee – Kanler Cumbass ’19 |
| David Abbot ’67 |
| Delores Anderson ’72 |
| Nicole Booth ’02 |
| Jill Bradley ’80 |
| Rhani Lott Choi ’05 |
| Sumner Gantz ’15, M ’17 |
| Nick Kastner ’03, M ’06 |
| Chase Morris ’21 |
| Caleb Rogers ‘23 |
| Yetta Smith ’09 |
| Stephanie Rainwater Thomas ’08 |
2026 Alumni Award Recipients
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor the Piedmont University Alumni Association bestows. It recognizes a graduate with a remarkable professional record, proven leadership, dedication to public and community service, and ongoing support of Piedmont University and its mission.
The Pacesetter Award honors graduates who embody the Piedmont tradition of visionary leadership, service, and community activism. Dr. Claire Kitchens Stevenson, a dynamic educator and advocate, is a shining example.
The Excellence in Education Award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of education. This year’s recipient, Micah Dingler, has achieved success as both an educator and a world-class performer.
The Alumni Service Award is given to a graduate whose dedication and service have significantly benefited the university. Dr. Martha Cantrell has done just that for more than 27 years as a Piedmont University Trustee.
Award Categories
Pacesetter Award
The Pacesetter Award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated ideals that exemplify the Piedmont tradition of service, vision, and community activism. It is presented to a graduate who has shown proven leadership or achievement in his or her career and actively contributes to public and/or community service. This individual must have graduated within the past 15 years.
Excellence in Education
The Excellence in Education Award recognizes a graduate that has shown significant contributions to the field of education as a teacher, coach, or administrator. They must have worked or volunteered in education for a minimum of 10 years. Past Excellence in Education Award Winners
Alumni Service
The Alumni Service Award is presented to a graduate who has contributed significant service to the university. It recognizes the achievements of individuals working on behalf of the university through active service in alumni programs and through efforts made to ensure the welfare of the institution. Nominations should answer the following questions:
- In what ways has the candidate served the university and its alumni?
- How has this service benefited the institution?
- Has this service been sustained over an extended period of time?
Please provide letters of support as part of your nomination.
Distinguished Alumni
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor that a Piedmont graduate can receive from the Alumni Association. This award recognizes a graduate who has an outstanding record of professional achievements in his or her career, demonstrates qualities of leadership, contributes to public and community affairs, and shows support for Piedmont University, its students, faculty and alumni. This individual must have graduated more than 15 years ago.
Questions?
Want to know more about Piedmont’s Alumni Association or have questions for us? Contact us today!
Amelia Esther
Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator
Ann Sutton
AVP, Advancement and Development