Nicole Dean Honored as Henry Barnard Distinguished Student
CCSU volleyball standout is one of 12 CSUS students recognized.
Senior Nicole Dean of the Central Connecticut volleyball team was recognized with a Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award at the program's 29th annual banquet held on April 4 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. The Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards are presented annually by the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) to students from Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut state universities.
"Being nominated for the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student award is an honor in itself, let alone receiving it," Dean said. "I've had such great people surrounding me at Central, who have influenced me in so many positive ways. I wouldn't have been as successful if it weren't for so many others challenging, supporting, and believing in me. With being recognized, I've joined the ranks of some outstanding Connecticut State College and University System alumni and look forward to being able to give back. As always, Go Blue Devils!"
A standout in the classroom, Dean is a member of the President's List with a 4.0 grade-point average as a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry and American Sign Language. She has spent summers working with the Pfizer Summer Student Worker Program in Groton, CT, and APM Mosquito Control in Flint, MI, as well as working in numerous research labs at CCSU where she earned the 2015-16 Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award.
In addition, Dean has been active as a volunteer in several community service initiatives at CCSU and with her church. She has traveled to areas of need, working with children and the less fortunate in places such as Kingston, Jamaica; Pippa Passes, KY; and the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Browning, MT. Dean has also volunteered in the classroom at the Smalley Academy and in the nursery Catalyst Church in New Britain, CT.
Dean was named to the Northeast Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll and the NEC Academic Honor Roll during her four seasons with the Blue Devils. In 2015 she was also named to the College Sports Information Directors of America All-District 1 First Team. As a junior, Dean ranked third on the team with 0.96 blocks per set. She appeared in 66 matches during her career and helped the Blue Devils qualify for three Northeast Conference Tournaments.
"We are so proud of Nicole's accomplishments," CCSU head coach Linda Sagnelli said. "She is an exemplary student-athlete and extremely deserving of this recognition. As she goes forward, she will be a shining example for the volleyball program, the entire athletics department, and Central Connecticut State University."
About the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award
The Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards are presented annually by the Connecticut State University System (CSUS). Each academic year 12 senior who attend Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut state universities are honored by the CSUS Foundation during the annual Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards Banquet, which has been held in the spring for more than 20 years.