Atkinson Receives Martin Award at Commencement

Written By Aisha Christa Atkinson

Originally published May 6, 2013 by The University of Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE— During the 59th spring commencement at University of Mount Olive, Aisha Atkinson of Goldsboro was presented with the prestigious 2013 Martin Award. Atkinson graduated Summa Cum Laude Saturday with a bachelor of arts degree in secondary English education. She is the daughter of Rovina and James Atkinson.

The Martin Award is given each year in honor of Lorelle F. Martin, professor emerita, who taught at University of Mount Olive from 1957 to 1987. The Martin Award is presented for the highest academic average to the baccalaureate graduate whose entire study has been at University of Mount Olive during four years of full-time, continuous enrollment. A $1,000 award accompanies this honor from the Office of Academic Affairs.

A first generation college attendee, Atkinson has been heavily involved during her time at University of Mount Olive. She has served as editor and contributor of The Trojan Voices, been inducted in Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Lambda Theta, served as Senator for the Student Government Association and served as a Resident Assistant. In 2012, Atkinson was the recipient of the Jan Brewer Scholarship award and Student Assistant for the Language and Literature Department. More recently, she received the 2013 award for Best Literature Student and the Outstanding Language and Literature Student Award.

For more, visit The University of Mount Olive
Aisha Christa Atkinson

Aisha Christa Atkinson is an award-winning instructional leader, education scholar, and writer whose work centers on inclusive leadership, literacy development, and the design of supportive school communities. She serves as Assistant Principal at Stafford Early Childhood Center in Texas and was named Stafford MSD District Professional of the Year (2025) and the 71st Texas Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. (2023). Her writing has appeared in Education Week, Edutopia, Texas Voices, Teacher2Teacher, and Advocate for Me Magazine, where she examines instructional leadership, differentiated instruction, and systems that cultivate belonging. Aisha holds advanced degrees in Educational Administration and English Education and writes at the intersection of practice, policy, and purpose.

https://www.aishacatkinson.com
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