Sean Watley, the first-generation program associate with the Office of Student Life in the Division for Student Affairs, received the Robert Chernak Award for Staff Member of the Year. The award is awarded to a staff member who has significantly impacted and inspired a student or student organization.
As a member of the Student Support team, Watley helps students succeed at GW by connecting them to support resources, assisting them as they navigate challenging circumstances and working with students to develop plans of action to meet their goals. The Student Support team aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment to support students build skills around self-awareness, self-advocacy, resilience and navigating the university to maximize their GW experience. Watley specifically focuses on assisting first-generation students.