Each academic year, the USC Salkehatchie faculty elect a Student of the Year. This student must have completed 30 credit hours at Salkehatchie with at least a 3.4 GPA, and this student must demonstrate other outstanding attributes such as involvement in campus activities, engaging in community service, and going above and beyond to help fellow students.

A few words from her nominators

I have the honor of being one of two professors who nominated Ashley Schirmer for the Student of the Year Award. Ashley took Rhetoric and Composition with me in Fall 2019, and it was apparent from the first day of class that she would be an excellent student. She was an enthusiastic participant in every class, and I was impressed by her ability to make thought-provoking connections between the work we were doing in English and her other classes. As the semester progressed, I discovered that Ashley is more than just an excellent student; she is also an exceptionally hard worker and indefatigable advocate for all those around her. I often saw Ashley schedule time outside of class to assist students who were struggling, all while balancing the demands of her own college courses, a job, and parenthood. I am proud of all that Ashley has accomplished here at UofSC Salkehatchie, humbled by her drive, and excited to see what else she will accomplish in the future.

Dr. Kirsten Iden
Professor of English

I was excited to nominate Ashley Schirmer for Student of the Year, as I believe she is the embodiment of what we at Salkehatchie hope for in our students. She is intelligent, hardworking, proactive, and helpful. I have taught Ashley in two classes and I have worked with her in her role as research assistant. From the beginning Ashley impressed me with her dedication and work ethic. Ashley is the mother of two small children, and, despite many personal challenges, she excels in all she does. In class she strives for perfection in her work and she helps her fellow students meet their challenges. As a research assistant, Ashley often foresees problems that need to be dealt with and addresses them effectively. She is also involved with support groups for parents who face challenges similar to her own. She is not only a great student, but an excellent citizen of this community.

Dr. Carmela Gottesman
UofSC Salkehatchie Professor of Psychology