Chattanooga, TN --- Debbie Waggoner was an exceptional Chattanooga State employee and tireless student advocate who succumbed to cancer during the 1990s. To show respect and admiration for her commitment, the Student Government Association sponsors the “Debbie Waggoner Above and Beyond Award” to recognize individuals who reach out and make a positive impact on those around them. Aleta Lenyard, director of the Mathematics Center, was honored with this year’s award. The Mathematics Center resides within the heart of the mathematics curriculum. Because of this distinction, Ms. Lenyard interacts with almost every student enrolled in a mathematics course during a given semester. She tutors students, oversees testing, and hires peer tutors in the center. Lenyard works enthusiastically with students and faculty. She maintains a positive frame of mind and enjoys her work while handling difficult situations with grace and wisdom to keep the center operating smoothly and efficiently. She also serves as the campus liaison with Pearson to help resolve technical issues with the Chattanooga State network and MyLabsPlus. One of Lenyard’s responsibilities is to supervise student tutors working in the center. She is an advocate for students, professional tutors, as well as adjuncts, and is respectful of both faculty and students. As a gifted listener, she focuses on the importance of each person. Her commitment to student success is exhibited by her dedication to create a positive learning experience for every student who walks into the center. Lenyard coordinates help sessions for students and oversees student focus groups for ideas on how to improve student learning. With a goal of success for all students, she continually finds ways to improve the operation of the center. Ms. Lenyard strives to make the jobs of her supervisors easier. By anticipating what needs to be done, she is dependable, reliable, and a forward-thinker. Every faculty and staff member in the mathematics department is a better worker because she has gone “above and beyond” for them. Students who take mathematics classes in the department share similar experiences working with “Ms. Aleta.” Located on the second floor of the Instructional Materials Center in IMC-225, the Mathematics Center is open days, nights, and weekends during the semester to help students with all levels of math. The center is equipped with more than 180 computers for use by students.