Two Delaware State University faculty members and a dean were honored by the Delaware District of the Small Business Administration (DSBA) during its 2012 Small Business Week Awards Gala.

The DSBA presented awards to DSU’s Dr. Shelton Rhodes, Lillie Crawford, and Nick Callazzo during a May 14 event held at the Executive Banquet and Conference Center near Newark, Del.

Dr. Shelton Rhodes, dean of the College of Business, was presented the DSBA Outstanding Advocacy of Small Business Award. Dr. Rhodes was recognized for DSU’s creation of a College of Business Advisory Board that seeks input on how the University can better meet the needs of the Delaware business community; for reaching out to the DSBA, AstraZeneca, DuPont, and veterans’ business organizations to partner on veterans’ business initiatives; and other endeavors, said Tony Leta, DSBA director, who presented the award.

“His community outreach has raised the profile of Delaware State in the small business community and positioned it as a leading player in Delaware’s economic growth,” Mr. Leta said. “Under his leadership, Delaware State is walking the walk for small business.”

Lillie Crawford, director of the DSU Center for Enterprise Development, received the DSBA Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award for the state and the region. She was honored for her leadership of the center, along with the numerous outreach efforts and partnerships that have resulted under her watch.

Nick Callazzo, adjunct instructor in the College of Business, was honored with the DSBA Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year Award for his renowned support of the small businesses throughout the region over the years.