Shania Grant Wins Florida Atlantic’s Talon Leadership and Service Award

Grant at the 2025 Talon Leadership and Service Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 6

MSCCJ Student Receives University’s Prestigious Talon Leadership and Service Award

When Shania Grant, the recipient of this year’s Talon Leadership and Service Award, first attended a campus presentation on reentry by Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, Ph.D., associate professor and associate director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, she didn’t realize the lecture would change the course of her academic career.

Then, as a dual-enrolled Florida Atlantic High School student taking her first college-level research class, her only frame of reference for research was in science and engineering.

“I just found the topic so interesting,” she said. “I didn't really even know at the time that this was a whole research arena.” Grant emailed Atkin-Plunk later that same day, and the mentorship that began with her response became one of the most formative relationships of her college career.

“I am over the moon about Shania winning this award,” said Atkin-Plunk. “Mentoring her has been the most rewarding part of my time at Florida Atlantic. “Shania is the most dedicated, passionate, and hardworking student I have had the opportunity to work with, and I have learned just as much from her as I think she has learned from me.”

Today, Grant is a graduate student in Florida Atlantic University’s Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program, planning to graduate in May 2026. And while her interests and knowledge have greatly expanded since that first presentation years ago, that same topic she learned about at that first campus presentation—reentry—has been the primary focus of her academic work. As a graduate student, Grant has investigated public support for reentry programs, and she’s contributed to grant-funded faculty projects, including coding reentry case notes and collaborating with social work faculty on studies of substance use and family support.

Grant shakes hands with President Adam Hasner before heading to the stage

Service to the Florida Atlantic Community

Community service has long been central to Grant’s identity, and it’s a defining reason why she was chosen for the Talon Award, one of the most prestigious honors the university bestows. 

“We’re all incredibly proud of Shania and the work ethic she models for her fellow students,” said Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “I’m so happy the university is bestowing this honor on her.”

Whether through mentoring, research, leadership, or advocacy, Grant works to build bridges between learning and service, and to help others see their own power to make a difference.

“No one is an island,” she said. “You’re a member of your family, you’re a member of your friendship group, you’re a member of your broader community—those communities are the basis of literally everything, and I think giving back to them is truly important.”

Her commitment to service began with the Kravis Center’s George Academy, where she has volunteered as a vocal mentor for nearly a decade, helping children develop confidence and creativity through music. She also volunteers with the Cox Science Center, where she teaches hands-on science lessons for children and families.

At Florida Atlantic, she coordinated student volunteers for the 2025 Reentry Summit, connecting undergraduates with opportunities to engage in meaningful, community-based learning alongside practitioners, policymakers, and returning citizens.

Grant delivers her acceptance speech

Finding Her Place at Florida Atlantic

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Grant came to the university through the Florida Atlantic High School pathway. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in undergraduate research. The supportive environment she found in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice convinced her to pursue a master's degree before attending law school.

“The faculty here are your biggest cheerleaders—supportive, kind, and honest,” she said. “It’s the kind of environment I wanted to keep learning in.”

Grant’s background in vocal performance helped shape her approach to academic work, public speaking, and leadership. Performing taught her to be poised, collaborative, and adaptable.

“In a choir you listen louder than you’re singing,” she said. “That’s leadership too: listening to others and amplifying their voices.” 

Listening is critical to her leadership style. As managing editor of Florida Atlantic’s Undergraduate Law Journal, she helped guide peers through the writing and editing process, published two of her own articles, and encouraged students to connect their interests—no matter the discipline—to the law.

“Law affects every point of our lives,” she said. “Helping others see that connection was one of my favorite parts of the role.”

She also served as secretary of the Florida Atlantic chapter of the League of Women Voters, where she planned campus events and partnered with the Palm Beach County chapter to promote civic engagement and voter education. As a peer mentor for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, she helped students across the arts and social sciences navigate the often nonlinear research process, from shaping a question to revising their findings.

Beyond Florida Atlantic, Grant represents student perspectives as an appointed member of the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, participates in the Dean’s Leadership Academy, and has gained firsthand experience as a legal intern with a local school district's Office of General Counsel. Each experience, she says, has strengthened her belief that leadership is less about titles and more about guiding others to discover their own potential.

Grant (center) with (L-R) Larry Faerman, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs; Katie Burke, Ph.D., assistant vice president of Alumni and Community Engagement; First Lady Jillian Hasner, President Adam Hasner, David Green, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement; and Chris Ferreira, chair of the FAU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Looking Ahead

Grant’s path reflects the values Florida Atlantic celebrates: curiosity, service, and transformation through opportunity. Once she graduates in May 2026, Shania plans a short gap year before applying to law school, ideally in the northeast or Washington, D.C.

As she prepares for law school, she carries forward the lessons that began the day she met her mentor. “Professor Atkin-Plunk’s passion is something I hope to replicate in my own career,” she said. “She showed me what it looks like to lead with care—and that’s the kind of leader I want to be.”

Naturally, Shania is drawn to criminal law, but she’s keeping an open mind. A previous internship with a criminal defense attorney showed her how the sort of research she’s conducted at Florida Atlantic can intersect with her legal education.

“Seeing the work up close has been invaluable,” she said. “I want to bring research into practice—that’s how change happens.”

“Shania is truly exemplary, and she embodies what it means to be a highly engaged student who does not shy away from opportunities to humbly lead and serve the Florida Atlantic and South Florida community,” said Atkin-Plunk.