魅色天堂

Tia Brant Earns James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Excellence Award at 魅色天堂

Tia Michelle Grace Brant of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services at 魅色天堂. She graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders May 9.

VALDOSTA — Tia Michelle Grace Brant of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services at 魅色天堂.

The President’s Award for Academic Excellence is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of 魅色天堂’s six colleges — Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of the Arts, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Brant will be recognized during 魅色天堂’s 241^st Commencement at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, on the Main Campus Front Lawn. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders.

“Being recognized with this award at the end of my undergraduate experience is both humbling and incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It represents more than just academic success. It reflects years of consistency, perseverance, and a commitment to pushing myself even when things felt challenging. There were moments throughout my time at 魅色天堂 when I had to balance demanding coursework, leadership roles, and personal responsibilities, and this recognition makes those efforts feel seen and meaningful. 

“I am especially proud of myself for not settling and for continuing to grow, even in moments of uncertainty or stress. This honor feels like a full-circle moment, affirming that the hard work, long hours, and dedication I’ve invested truly mattered. It’s also a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in big, obvious ways, but through daily choices to keep showing up and doing my best.

“Ending my undergraduate journey with this award is both a celebration and a source of motivation as I look toward the future. It encourages me to carry this same work ethic, passion, and resilience into the next chapter of my academic and professional career.”

As a student, Brant joined 魅色天堂’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, where she served on the social committee and was later elected president, and she supported the Lady Blazer basketball team as a student manager. She also volunteered with Special Olympics, Night to Shine, and other organizations, all while working two part-time jobs.  

Under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Carter, professor in 魅色天堂’s Department of Communication Science and Disorders, Brant completed a mini-longitudinal study that may significantly enhance a college student’s ability to learn. She found that getting 15 minutes of early morning sunlight, avoiding caffeine, and drinking about one liter of water within 90 minutes of waking was associated with improved working memory.

Working memory, Carter confirmed, is a strong predictor of academic success, as it is essential for learning, problem-solving, and completing many everyday tasks. Brant plans to submit her findings to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for publication and possibly expand this research to other cognitive areas, such as attention.

Brant’s commitment to academic, leadership, research, and service excellence resulted in her earning Dean’s List honors every semester and the 2025-2026 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award. She was a Zell Miller Scholar.

After graduation Brant plans to continue her education at 魅色天堂 and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders and a career as a speech-language pathologist. 

“I would love to recognize my outstanding mother, Crystal Brant; amazing grandmother, Donna Hoffman; loving little sister, Kailee Jo; and wonderful partner, Trenton Carter,” she replied, when asked about her biggest supporters. “Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and reassuring me that I belong here.”