You are using an outdated browser. For a faster, safer browsing experience, upgrade for free today.

Award Established to Honor Outstanding Professionals at Lander University

James Colbert and Daniel Ball
James Colbert, assistant professor of chemistry at Lander University, left, displays the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award, which was presented to him by Lander president Daniel Ball, right. Rowland P. Alston, host of SCETV's "Making It Grow" created the award to honor his grandmother, a 1914 Lander graduate.

The host of one of South Carolina ETV's most popular programs has established an award at Lander University to honor his grandmother who graduated from Lander nearly a century ago.

Rowland P. Alston, host of the Emmy-award-winning horticulture and gardening show "Making It Grow," created the prize in the name of Mary Frances Poole Alston, a member of Lander's 1914 graduating class.

To be considered for the award, candidates must be individuals who have achieved an outstanding level of professionalism among their peers, and provide visibility for Lander throughout South Carolina, the nation and the world.

During his State of the University address on Monday, Sept. 20, Lander president Daniel Ball presented the first Alston Award and its accompanying honorarium of $400 to Dr. Jim Colbert, assistant professor of chemistry and director of the Experience Your Education (EYE) program, which recently won a national award.

Colbert joined the faculty of Lander's Department of Physical Science in 2007. He received his undergraduate degree from Wofford College and his doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology.