2025 Cherry Braswell Rutland Memorial Award Recipient

Award Recipient: Terence Asitibasi

Originally born and raised in Ghana, Terence has been pursuing his Master of Science in Social Science at Clemson since Fall 2023. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Social Sciences from Spiritan University College in Ghana, and he aims to enroll in a Ph.D. program next academic year to further his research into rural communities, social change, policy analysis, and development. For Terence, ethical leadership resonates deeply with his personal and professional journey, as it represents the values of integrity, fairness, and accountability that have shaped his life. From volunteer teaching initiatives and non-profit leadership in Ghana to student leadership here at Clemson, Terence is committed to exploring new ideas, learning from others, and positively impacting society.

His ultimate career goal is to lead impactful research and policy initiatives that address systemic inequalities and foster sustainable development in rural and underserved communities. In his view, policies that balance environmental sustainability with economic growth while prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable populations represent the ethical vision of productive global development.