Student Academic Awards 2012

Every year the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia asks each System institution to select one student representative of outstanding scholastic achievement on the campus, someone who holds a cumulative GPA of 4.0 (or close to it), so that the System can recognize these students who excel in the fundamental area of academic accomplishment. Based upon faculty recommendations and an interview process, Macon State selects a representative every spring and then recognizes that student at Honors Convocation.

The Academic Recognition Day Scholar is chosen each year from a select group of students who demonstrate not only high academic achievement but who also demonstrate strong commitment and service to their college and community.

This year’s recipient is the ultimate well rounded student who excels at everything she does. As a junior, majoring in biology with a minor in mathematics, she has a 3.89 overall GPA with A’s in all her mathematics courses. She was inducted into the honor society in the fall and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is the current president of the International Students and Studies Association and served as a peer leader at the 2012 Georgia International Leadership Conference. She directs and coaches the color guard squad at Veteran’s High School in Kathleen, GA and was on the winning relay-for-life powder puff football team. She plans to go to pharmacy school when she graduates.

This year’s Academic Recognition Day Scholar is Mary Beth McConnell. In addition to receiving this award today, Mary Beth will receive a commendatory letter from the Chancellor and signed resolutions from the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives.

We’re very proud to recognize Mary Beth as our 2012 Academic Recognition Day Scholar!

This year, Macon State College is proud to recognize six Honors Program graduates at the baccalaureate level and two Honors Program graduates at the associate level.

In order to graduate as an "Honors Program Graduate," students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and must have earned a grade of "A" or a "B" in FOUR or more Honors Program courses.

Honors Program graduates are accorded the privilege of wearing an Honors Program medal at our graduation ceremony.

The first recipient will be completing the Honors Program Discipline Curriculum this spring. Heather Long will have completed four upper level Honors Program courses within her program of study. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Congratulations Heather!

The next three students are Honors Discipline Graduates. They will have completed four or more upper level Honors Program courses.

The first graduate is Jennifer Bostic. She will complete the Honors Discipline requirements this spring and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Congratulations Jennifer!

The second graduate is Rebecca Holcomb. She will complete the Honors Discipline requirements this spring and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Congratulations Rebecca!

The third graduate in this category it Summer Leverett. She will complete the Honors Discipline requirements this spring and will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. Congratulations Summer!

The next two students have completed the requirements for Honors Program graduates at the Associate Degree Level.

The first graduate is Egan Guillet. Egan will complete the Honors program requirements this spring and will graduate with an Associate of Arts in General Studies. Congratulations Egan!

The second graduate is Adam Weaver. He will complete the Honors program requirements this spring and will graduate with an Associate of Arts in General Studies. Congratulations Adam!

The next two students have completed the requirements for Honors Program Graduates at the Bachelor's Degree Level.

The first graduate is Elizabeth Burchfield. She completed the Honors Program requirements this past fall and was awarded her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. (No photo availble.)

The second graduate is Jaimie Lynn Pearson. She will complete the Honors Program requirements this spring and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Information Technology. Congratulations Jaimie!

The students chosen to receive divisional awards represent Macon State College’s brightest scholars who have excelled in the classroom.  These students have been selected by the faculty and chair of their division of study.  Students who recognized for Outstanding Academic Excellence must have achieved a grade point avaerage of 3.8 to 4.0.  Students who are recognized for Academic Excellence have grade point average of 3.5 to 3.79.  Additionally, each honoree must have completed at least 30 semester hours.

Academic Awards Guidelines Criteria:

• Students must have a minimum of 30 semester hours earned at MSC.
• The minimum GPA for an academic award is a 3.5.
• Your division may designate one eligible nominee per discipline as indicated on page 3 or you may select one eligible student to receive your comprehensive division award.
• Nomination forms must be submitted only by the division chair.
• Awards are not to be presented to any student who has had any disciplinary action taken or pending against him/her.

Scroll down to view all award recipients.

School of Arts and Sciences

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence for the School of Arts and Sciences was presented to Benjamin Zahn. Benjamin is an exceptional English student and truly exemplifies the meaning of excellence in his academic work. There is no doubt he will transfer his many talents to his future profession. Congratulations Benjamin!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in English was presented to Benjamin Zahn. Mr. Zahn is a dedicated English major who has maintained a perfect grade point average. His written and oral communication skills are exceptional, and his commitment to excel academically is impressive. Congratulations Benjamin!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in English with Teacher Certification was presented to Laura Thompson. Laura is a superior student and exhibits the many characteristics of an effective leader. She shows great promise and undoubtedly will transfer that same enthusiasm and commitment to excel to her own classes when she enters the classroom as an English teacher. Congratulations Laura!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in History was presented to Raymond Batchelor. Raymond is the only student out of the approximate 150 currently enrolled history majors to have achieved a perfect 4.0 grade average. His goal is to continue his education and pursue a Ph.D. in history. Congratulations Raymond! (No photo availble.)

The award for Academic Excellence in History with Teacher Certification was presented to Chloe Colbert. Her advisor, Dr. Taylor says that Chloe is one of the most organized students he has ever taught. Though she is a history major, Chloe has also been pressed into service as an economics teacher at Houston County High School, where she is completing her clinical practice as a student teacher. Congratulations Chloe!

The award for Academic Excellence in Mathematics was presented to Kyle Shurling. Kyle and a fellow student recently completed a research project using some advanced statistical analysis to create an accurate mathematical model to predict Georgia high school graduation rates. The findings were presented at Eagle Rock Mathematics Conference in Statesboro on March 31. Congratulations Kyle! (No photo availble.)

The award for Intern of Distinction was presented to Sarah Johnson. Sarah has shown great talent in video production through her internship with Grid Iron Game of the Week. In her internship, she took to each position with ease, culminating in directing the camera operators while operating the production system. She is an excellent student of great promise, and we expect great things from her professional life. Congratulations Sarah!

The award for Outstanding Intern was presented to Nic Bell. Nic is an energetic, engaged student and practitioner of New Media and Communications. Nic served as an announcer for Gridiron Game of the Week, and was so impressive; he was invited to do color commentary for the state Class AAA championship football game. Nic is graduating this year and will undoubtedly go on to be a superior professional in the media field. Congratulations Nic!

The award for New Media and Communication was presented to Shanna Dixon. Dr. Mary Wearn had this to say about Shanna: She epitomizes “outstanding academic excellence.” Her work is first-rate and thoughtful; she is respected and well liked by her peers; and she finds creative ways to add to the classroom culture no matter what the subject matter. She is the kind of student that makes all of us at Macon State proud. Congratulations Shanna!

The award for Academic Excellence in Art was presented to Lindsay Bridgers. Lindsay is an outstanding art student whose interest and dedication to developing her artistic ability is an example to other art majors. She is dedicated to developing her technique and solving visual problems that arise in the development of artworks. She is focused on developing her portfolio and pursuing a career in the arts. Congratulations Lindsay!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Interdisciplinary Studies was presented to Joan Quinn. Joan is an incredibly bright student who is always willing to contribute to class discussions where she adds thoughtful and well-spoken points. Her commitment to the quality of her research, study, and written assignments is almost unparalleled in this program. We are proud of Joan and her efforts and wish to honor her for her dedication and excellence. Congratulations Joan!

The award for Academic Excellence in Music is presented to Dustyn Archer. Dustyn is a gifted your theorist, studies guitar and piano, and sings in the Chamber Singers. He is able to do all of this while maintaining an extremely high GPA while carrying a load of six classes this semester alone. Congratulations Dustyn! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Research Activity in Biology was presented to Rebecca Holcomb. Rebecca has been participating in undergraduate research in Biology for the past two years. She has worked on both field projects and lab projects. Due to her outstanding academic and research ability, she has been awarded a graduate research assistantship at Washington State University in Plant Molecular Biology. Congratulations Rebecca!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Biology was presented to Byron Collins. Byron is one of the outstanding junior level biology majors. All of his instructors in biology have expressed superlative accolades on his academic performance and writing style. Although undecided about his future plans, he has his senior year to plan for the future. Congratulations Byron!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Natural Sciences and Engineering was presented to Emily Blackmon. Emily is an exceptional science student. She has excelled in all areas of academics and will represent Macon State College extremely well in future graduate work. Presently she plans on continuing her education in graduate school and is leaning towards the area of molecular cell biology research. Congratulations Emily! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Psychology was presented to Victoria Horton. Victoria is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Department faculty members agree that she is a hard worker who consistently asks thought-provoking questions in order to further understand the mechanisms of mind and behavior. She is an outstanding student and is truly enthusiastic about learning. Congratulations Victoria!

The award for Academic Excellence in Public Service was presented to Jeffrey Wade. Jeffrey has served our country in the United States Air Force, and is a member of the Student Veterans Association, and the National Honor Society. He is an exceptional non-traditional student who values education enjoys traveling, fishing, and telling stories of the “one that got away.” Congratulations Jeffrey!

School of Business

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in the School of Business was presented to Jaimie Lynn Pearson. As outlined earlier, Jaimie is an outstanding student with a bright future ahead of her. She was hired by Robins Air Force Base as a part of the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and plans to continue working as a Cost Analyst on base following graduation. Congratulations Jaimie!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Accounting was presented to Omar Aba. Omar will be graduating in May with a degree in Business Information Technology with a minor in Mathematics. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is Student Vice Chair of the Macon State College Branch of the American Society for Quality. He is also currently a certified tutor in our Academic Resource Center. Congratulations Omar!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in General Business was presented to Stephanie Hughes. Stephanie has been passionately pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Technology since the summer of 2008, and is on pace to graduate with honors in the fall of 2012. She is a proud mother to her son Tanner and he is a constant reminder to her that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Congratulations Stephanie!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Management was presented to Jaimie Lynn Pearson. Jaimie is a dedicated student and will graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business and Information Technology in May. While in the program, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has completed eight honors classes with distinction. We are proud of her accomplishments. Congratulations Jaimie!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Marketing was presented to Christopher Munn. Christopher’s studies have further enhanced his ability to better market and manage a small business. As an entrepreneur, Chris is currently expanding Munn Brothers Films, a film production company he is partnering with his brother, Jonathan. His achievements include Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Who’s Who among students in American Universities and Colleges. Congratulations Christopher!

The award for Academic Excellence in Production and Operations Management was James Hatten. James began his academic career at Macon State in 2003 and then returned in 2010. He is an excellent student and has a 3.64 GPA in the POM program. In addition to being employed full time, he is an active member in his community and is a volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity outreach program. Congratulations James! (No photo availble.)

School of Education

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in the School of Education was presented to Stacy Stone. Stacy has been more than the ideal student. She has not only achieved the highest GPA in the School of Education, she has also demonstrated outstanding leadership in the program and has maintained a clear sense of purpose as it relates to her call of teaching. Because of her drive to succeed, her proven abilities to be a successful educator, and impressive academic achievement, Stacy is worthy of this award. Congratulations Stacy! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Early Childhood Special Education was presented to Kelli Sherwood. Kelli is an exceptional leader in the School of Education and in the community. Professional public teachers and administrators agree that Kelli is an exemplar mentor for her peers. Kelli has excelled in the rigorous course work at Macon State College and her professors, supervisors, and cooperating teachers all agree that she will be an asset to the teaching profession. Congratulations Kelli!

The first CARE award for Early Childhood Special Education was presented to Hope Bilow-Duckworth. Hope is a high achieving student who always goes the extra mile in completing every assignment and activity. Her enthusiasm for the learning process is contagious. She is a conscientious and prepared student who has blossomed into a highly engaged teaching professional. Congratulations Hope!

The second CARE award for Early Childhood Special Education was presented to Christopher Lewis. Chris is highly regarded by teachers and principals in the schools he serves. His caring, open and engaging manner is remembered by all who know him. He demonstrates a set of values and attitudes consistent with the highest professional standards, and is a role model for all educators. Congratulations Chris!

The final CARE award for Early Childhood Special Education was presented to Daniel Swem. Daniel has exhibited enormous growth into a high achieving teacher education candidate. He best represents the reflective quality found in excellent educators, and sustains classroom rapport that promotes learning and designs activities that engage students. Congratulations Daniel! (No photo availble.)

The first CARE award for Middle Grades Education was presented to Chad Edwards. Chad believes educators have the potential to shape students’ perspectives on learning, on the world around them and on themselves. He has distinguished himself by creating a nurturing academic environment for his middle school students and serving as a role model for his peers. Congratulations Chad!

The second CARE award for Middle Grades Education was presented to Richard Cooley. Richard has demonstrated the talent, dedication and commitment necessary to make a significant contribution to the teaching profession and the warmth and caring necessary to be an outstanding, nurturing teacher. He has had a positive influence within the college classroom and served as a role model by conducting himself with integrity and dignity while a student at Macon State College. Congratulations Richard!

The third CARE award for Middle Grades Education was presented to Alena Nash. Alena is a highly motivated and engaged teacher candidate who puts her best foot forward when preparing and delivering instruction. She works well with students, and applies a professional approach to all she does. Her inspiration for teaching is both in her intellectual and emotional desire to transmit knowledge to all those around her. Congratulations Alena!

The final CARE award for Middle Grades Education was presented to Christine Wester. Christine has demonstrated remarkable abilities to inspire and engage others in learning and brings her intellectual gifts to the classroom. She is a high achieving student who is active in her community while balancing home and school responsibilities. She derives personal fulfillment from her potential to better lives and the futures of the children of her community. Congratulations Christine!

The CARE award for Secondary English was presented to Jacob Funke. Jacob is an engaged and competent student and teacher who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both campus based classes and field based teaching practice. He is a teacher who has the best interests of his students at heart, and prepares and delivers instruction accordingly. Jacob will continue to grow as an educator and make a positive difference in the lives of his students. Congratulations Jacob! (No photo availble.)

The CARE award for Secondary Math was presented to Mason Behel. Mason is an enthusiastic future educator. He maintains a strong balance of work, school and home responsibilities. He is a dedicated high achieving student who truly cares about being a positive role model for his young students. Congratulations Mason!

School of Information Technology

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in the School of Information Technology was presented to Charles Garrett. Charles is one of our shining students. He has been instrumental in the growth and success in our two student organizations, the Association for Information Technology Students and our chapter of the Information Systems Security Association. He has also initiated a program in which our students mentor and tutor Bibb County High School students. Charles is an inspiration to us, both academically and professionally. Congratulations Charles!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Security was presented to Marcus Dumas. Marcus is a dedicated student and has earned the respect of his instructors and fellow students. He does very well in his classes and actively participates in class discussion and group projects. He will no doubt be very successful in his future endeavors. Congratulations Marcus!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Integrated Digital Media was presented to Gabriele Loyd. Gabriele is one of the most conscientious students. She is actively involved in classroom projects and discussions. She always submits required assignments on time, helps fellow students, and contributes a great deal to class discussions. She has a very promising future ahead of her. Congratulations Gabriele! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Network Technologies and Administration was presented to Jacob Morrison. Jacob has shown exceptional leadership in his classes. He has provided a great amount of technical support to fellow students. In particular, he has led his fellow students in senior capstone courses in building and implementing a real-world network. He is a stellar student and look forward to his future contributions. Congratulations Jacob!

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Software Development was presented to Eric Reeves. Eric is a dedicated and bright student. He is an active participant in class discussions and group projects and is always willing to help his fellow students when needed. He has a very bright future ahead of him. Congratulations Eric!

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences was presented to Nancy McDowell. Nancy is the consummate learner. She listens intently, constantly researches ideas, and reflects on the subject she is learning. She challenges the status quo and formulates ideas pursuant to good medical practice. Even within the rigorous Respiratory Therapy Bachelor’s Program, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Congratulations Nancy!

The award for Academic Excellence in Health Information Management was presented to Chernier Williams. Chernier has excelled in her academic work, and has been an active member in her student organization. She has completed her clinical internship at Southern Regional Medical Center and is currently completing a second internship with Tenet Corporation. Congratulations Chernier! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in Health Services Administration was presented to Faatima Ally. Faatima has a near perfect GPA and has been very active in the Health Services Administration Student Association. She oversaw a number of successful community events, including record setting blood and bone marrow donation drives. Her internship supervisors at Coliseum Hospital stated she was an “ideal participant”. Congratulations Faatima!

The award for Academic Excellence in the ASN Nursing Program was presented to Christopher Lindsey. Christopher is a hard worker who excels in the A.S.N. program He consistently looks for learning opportunities while in the clinical setting. He also serves as an exceptional mentor to his peers. Congratulations Christopher! (No photo availble.)

The award for Academic Excellence in the RN to BSN Completion Program is Marilyn Calhoun. Marilyn is a student who has excelled in this program. She maintains committed to lifelong learning. She has exhibited a quiet demeanor with a strong presence which will take her far in her future nursing career. Congratulations Marilyn! (No photo availble.)

The award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in the Pre-Licensure BSN Program was presented to Maria Trejo. Maria is a model nursing student who is received well by her faculty, peers, and nurses in the clinical area. She has a mature and calm disposition. She continues to be employed while being a dedicated Nursing student and maintaining a high GPA. Congratulations Maria!

Institutional Awards

Each year, our Honors, Awards & Graduation Committee, with the approval of the President of the College, designates one student from the senior class as President’s Scholar. However this year, we have designated two exceptional seniors to be given this honor.

The students we have chosen have an exceptional academic record at Macon State, they are involved in campus and/ or community activities, and they demonstrate characteristics indicating the promise of a very successful future. Each student selected will represent the senior class of Macon State College at graduation on May 11.

The students we have selected to represent the Senior Class of 2012 exceed all the qualities we look for in our President’s Scholar.

The first student’s major is Information Technology. He is actively involved in the Association of Information Technology Students, and is the project manager for the School of Information Technology Network Lab. He also teaches classes at a local community college, all while maintaining a 3.89 GPA. His Dean, Dr. Alex Koohang had this to say about him: “He is an example of a responsible, dedicated and committed student. He is extremely knowledgeable in the field of Information Technology, and has earned the respect of his professors and peers.”

Please congratulate Mr. Jacob Morrison, the first recipient of this year’s President’s Scholar award.

The second student is a nursing student with a 3.89 GPA. Her department Chair, Sirena Fritz used these words to describe her: “She is an excellent student who strives to do her personal best. She is very respectful of her peers and faculty and thinks critically in order to provide care for her patients.” Her work ethic is outstanding; not only does she excel in her classes, but she also takes time to give back to her community. Among other service projects, she is actively involved in building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Please congratulate Ms. Maria Trejo, the second recipient of this year’s President’s Scholar award.

Last updated April 16, 2012