College of Southern Maryland (CSM) student Dashawn Rustin has been named the winner of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Student Graphic Design Contest. Rustin, a dedicated Media Studies student from Charles County, is poised to use her creative talents to impact the world of media positively.
Rustin expressed her delight at the victory, stating, “I was astounded, thrilled, and filled with immense honor and pride. This was not only a personal challenge but also an opportunity to make everyone who supported and believed in me proud.” Winning this prestigious contest, she believes, not only validates her skills but also provides a platform to showcase them on a national level.
As a well-rounded student involved in various leadership roles at CSM, Rustin’s accolades include being a Charles County Commissioners Care Scholarship recipient, a Peer-to-Peer Student Ambassador, and an enrollee in the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Leadership Academy. “She is an outstanding student and we are very proud of her for winning this award and so much more,” said Toni Kruszka, Interim Executive Director of the CSM Foundation.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular engagements, Rustin is also a three-time Dean’s list honoree, the Student Government Association Representative of the La Plata Campus, and holds positions in several clubs and associations within the college.
Her award-winning design will be featured on the front cover of the official conference program for NISOD’s 2025 International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence. Rustin will receive a cash prize, five poster-sized copies of her artwork, and will have her travel and registration costs covered to attend the 2024 conference in Austin, Texas, where her work will be unveiled.
Rustin’s design includes a “Tree of Knowledge” against the backdrop of the Austin skyline, symbolizing educational growth and the importance of learning. The tree, shaped like Texas and adorned with books, represents the foundational and advanced knowledge shared at the conference.
Sheryl Powell, associate director of NISOD, praised Rustin’s work, stating, “Dashawn’s artwork will serve as the look and feel for our 2025 conference. Our congratulations to Dashawn and the College of Southern Maryland, and we look forward to recognizing her in May at the conference!”
Looking ahead, Rustin aims to forge a career in media and communications, focusing on creativity, inclusivity, and representation. “I am eager to contribute to the ongoing innovation and evolution within the media and entertainment industry,” she explained.
NISOD remains committed to empowering educators at community and technical colleges, providing professional development resources and fostering connections among institutions. This not only enhances individual careers but also enriches the educational landscape for diverse student populations. For more information about NISOD, visit their website at https://www.nisod.org.