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Jason Cassidy receives Jim Smart Award


Last updated December 13, 2018

By Tina Underwood

Furman University Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Jason Cassidy has been named winner of the James H. Smart Award by Furman’s Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection.

Presented annually to a Furman faculty or staff member, the Jim Smart Award is designed to promote encouragement of vocational exploration and reflection by Furman students, and to recognize those who exemplify this work in their teaching, advising, mentoring, service, public engagement and other aspects of their roles at the university.

The award celebrates the memory of Jim Smart, a longtime Furman history professor (1967-1995) who died in 2013. Smart was known for his passion for teaching and learning, his dedication to student development, and the importance he placed on students’ exploration of values and purposeful living.

The award is made possible by a gift from Smart’s wife, Bonnie Smart, in memory of her husband and in honor of their two children, Rusty Smart and Susan D’Amato.

Cassidy, who joined the Furman community in 1999, has served in his current position since 2011, and worked in housing and residence life prior to that. Cassidy is responsible for the health and well-being of Furman students, supervising counseling services, student health services, accessibility services, case management, alcohol and drug education, crisis management and student conduct.

Cassidy holds advanced degrees from Clemson University and Canisius College (Buffalo, New York), and a bachelor’s from Bethany College (Bethany, West Virginia).

For more information, contact the Furman News and Media Relations office at 864-294-3107. Questions about the award or the nomination process should be addressed to John Harris at 864-294-3638 and john.harris@furman.edu. More information may also be found at this link.

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