Bluefield University honored the 2026 recipients of the Dr. Donna Watson Goodness and Light Alumni Award at the Education Department Alumni Reunion on October 16.
The Goodness and Light Award was established in 2017 to honor the outgoing dean of the School of Education & Social Sciences, Dr. Donna Watson. While an education professor at Bluefield, Dr. Watson always called on her students to “Go spread goodness and light!” Each year, the university now recognizes graduates who excel in that call.
Traditionally, this award was reserved for alumni of Bluefield University’s education programs. This year saw the first honoree who completed the Master of Arts in Counseling program, which is also offered by the School of Education & Social Sciences. Additionally, a special award was presented to Dr. Gerald Clay, the school of education’s founder.
Recipients of the Goodness and Light Award are nominated by the community and honored during Homecoming & Family Weekend. This year, the honorees were recognized at the Education Department Alumni Reunion, which welcomed former students and faculty of the School of Education & Social Sciences in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The 2026 awardees were Dr. Gerald Clay, Erin Darnell ‘12, and Ida Byers ‘24.
“Fifty years ago, Bluefield College leadership, Dr. Gerald Clay, faculty, and staff had a vision and started the Education Department and Bachelor’s degrees in teacher education,” said Dr. Shellie Brown, who is the current dean of the School of Education & Social Sciences. “We want to recognize the hard work and impact that the founding program director and first dean, Dr. Gerald Clay had on our campus community and beyond. Because of his vision, hard work, and service, the college was able to start several Bachelor’s degree programs in education which were then added to over the years.”
Erin Darnell completed a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Bluefield University in 2012. She currently teaches fifth grade at Orange Elementary School in Orange, VA.
“Erin goes above and beyond for everyone she comes in contact with,” one of her nominators said. “She has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for, and she brings smiles, joy, love, and cheerfulness wherever she goes. What makes Erin so special is that she spreads goodness without even realizing she is doing it. It is simply who she is.”
“She teaches far beyond academics—she teaches life skills, kindness, leadership, perseverance, and how to be a good human being,” another nominator said. “Her kindness is infectious, and she creates a classroom where students know they belong and feel encouraged to be their best selves.”
Ida Byers earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Bluefield University in 2024. She currently serves at Southern Highlands, a mental health center in Princeton, WV.
“As a student, Ida had a zest for learning that was unmistakable,” said Dr. Brandy Smith, BU’s director of counselor education. “She wanted to understand, to ask questions, and to think deeply about the people she would one day serve. You could feel how much becoming a counselor meant to her. She brought her heart into the work, along with a willingness to stretch and grow.”
“One of the privileges of being a counselor educator is getting to see who your students become after graduation. With Ida, I continue to see that same curiosity and commitment I knew in the classroom,” Dr. Smith added. “She still reaches out for consultation. She asks thoughtful questions, considers different perspectives, and puts real care into understanding what her clients need.”