The Lander Alumni Association proudly recognizes outstanding alumni annually for their contributions professionally, civically, and to Lander.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award given by the Lander Alumni Association. It is reserved for alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen field for participation in civic, cultural, education or church activities. This award is reserved for alumni have distinguished themselves through professional accomplishment and gone on to do something of great benefit to for the broader community.
The Young Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years and who have served their community in an exemplary way. This award is reserved for alumni who have demonstrated career achievement, been acknowledged by peers and show a promise of future success.
The Grace Iler Norman Award is named in honor of the very first Alumni Director and recognizes significant alumni achievement and dedication to both the Alumni Association and the University.
Do you wish to nominate yourself, or another alumni of Lander University, to be recognized for their significant work or achievements? Please complete this form to submit a nomination. All nominations must be submitted by August 31.
For best consideration, please submit no less than 2 paragraphs with supporting information as to why your nominee is deserving of an award. Each nomination will be forwarded to the Special Recognition and Engagement Committee of the Alumni Association Board for review. Final selections will occur at the Fall Alumni Association Board Meeting. Awards will be presented at the annual Alumni Awards luncheon during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. Thank you for taking the time to help us recognize the wonderful work of our alumni!
For additional questions, please contact us at alumni@lander.edu.
2025 Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award
James “Jim” McCoy, Jr., a Greenville, South Carolina native, is a proud first-generation college graduate and member of Lander University’s Class of 1982.
At Lander, McCoy earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and was a member of the University’s first collegiate soccer team, helping to lay the foundation for a program that continues to thrive today. After graduation, he returned to Greenville and began his career in higher education administration at a small junior college, where he discovered his lifelong passion for helping others realize the transformative power of education.
McCoy has held leadership positions at several colleges and universities across the Southeast, including 19 years as senior vice president of operations for a large multi-campus university. For the past decade, he has served as campus president of a college offering undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, physician assistant studies, surgical technology, imaging sciences and other healthcare programs – continuing his steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare education and student success.
Together with his wife, Kristin, McCoy established an endowed nursing scholarship at Lander to support future generations of nursing students and to honor the institution that helped shape both his professional and personal journey. Through his leadership and example, McCoy continues to embody the values of dedication and service that define the Lander University spirit.
Grace Iler Norman Award
Taylor serves as Lander’s vice president for strategic initiatives and President Richard Cosentino’s chief-of-staff. As Lander’s chief liaison for governmental relations, the University has received significant funding increases from the South Carolina General Assembly in recent years, including funding to construct the Nursing Experiential Learning Center and the Information Commons; and funding to renovate the existing Jackson Library into additional classroom space.
Prior to his career with Lander, Taylor spent 20 years with State Farm Insurance, and served for 10 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing portions of Greenville and Laurens counties. In 2008, he decided not to run for re-election, and instead returned to his alma mater. During his time in the legislature, he served on several important committees, and was elected assistant majority leader during his final term. Taylor has received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, and was also previously named a Distinguished Alumnus of Lander. He is married to Monica Leapard Taylor, also a Lander graduate, and has three children and three grandchildren.
Young Alumni Achievement Award
Raphael Coleman, a native of Abbeville, South Carolina, is an innovative and compassionate leader dedicated to excellence in public service, entrepreneurship and community development. Coleman is a 2013 graduate of Lander University, having earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration (with a concentration in accounting) in 2013.
Coleman began his public service career in Greenwood, South Carolina, with the Greenwood County Office of Voter Registration, and in 2015, joined the Abbeville County Office of Voter Registration as a certified election clerk. His dedication and leadership in that role led to his appointment to the position of deputy treasurer – the youngest and first African American male in Abbeville County to hold the role. After seven years of service, Coleman was appointed interim county treasurer in 2024, following the retirement of outgoing treasurer, Betty Cowan. Later that year, Governor Henry McMaster officially appointed Coleman to the role of treasurer of Abbeville County, where he now oversees more than $15 million in property tax collections, as well as state and federal aid allocations.
Beyond these professional roles, Coleman is deeply involved in the life of his community. He has previously served as chairman of the Abbeville County Voter Registration and Election Board; as treasurer of the Heritage Preservation Foundation, dedicated to preserving African American history in Abbeville County; and as chairman of Operation Impact, a community service organization that develops leaders, promotes education and supports youth initiatives.
Coleman is married to Kenyatta Keller Coleman, father to Jaylin Drew Coleman and godfather to Layah Rose Carter. He is also the author of Lessons Learned Along the Way, and If I Only Knew.