 In 2014, Staton was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by Mercer University for service and leadership in higher education and medical education for the State of Georgia.In 2000, he received the inaugural Richard B. Furman Award from his alma mater, Furman University.During his tenure as Senator, Staton also served as a businessman having founded two publishing companies and a broadcasting company based in Macon and Warner Robins, Georgia.