BEEBE, Ark. – Arkansas State University-Beebe presented the annual Student Awards on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 via live-stream hosted by Student Life Director Zackary Tucker.
Each year, student awards are presented for leadership and outstanding achievement, with the most prestigious of these being the annual Citizenship Award. In addition to students, one faculty and one staff member were also recognized with distinguished service awards.
The Citizenship Award is based on overall academic and leadership qualities. This year’s award was presented to Amanda Barnes of Searcy, who is an agriculture education major; and Matthew Sparks of Cabot, who is pursuing studies toward a mechanical engineering degree in aerospace studies. This award has been presented annually to exceptional students since 1959.
Additionally, Ryan Gibbons, theater instructor in the Division of Arts and Humanities, was recognized with the Student Government Association (SGA) Outstanding Faculty Award; and Jennifer Downey-Rutledge, Counselor, received the SGA Outstanding Staff Award.
Six graduating students who have demonstrated community service and academic excellence were recognized as Leadership Scholars. Those recipients were: Kristopher Johnson of North Little Rock, Tyler Jones of Beebe, Kara McBrayer of Cabot, Jansyn Parker of Vilonia, April Picou of Beebe, Travis Socia of Cabot, and Matthew Sparks of Cabot.
The Outstanding First-Year Student awards were presented to Sam Perry of Cabot, who is majoring in studies toward a degree in psychology; and Dakota Trogden of Clinton, who is an education major.
The Outstanding Nontraditional Student awards were presented to Erika Shadrick of McRae, who is pursuing a degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design; and John Smith of Vilonia, who is seeking an Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree.
The Outstanding Academic Student awards for the Arts and Humanities Division were presented to Samantha Buehler of Ward, an education major; and John Morris of El Paso, who is pursuing an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree.
The Outstanding Academic Student awards for the Math and Science Division were presented to Bailey Wilson of Ward, who is seeking an Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree; and Logan Spriggs of El Paso, who is a nursing major.
The Outstanding Academic Student awards for the Career Education Division were presented to Anthony Young of Bald Knob, who is seeking a degree in Computer Systems and Networking Technology; and Jodi Fisher of Beebe, who is majoring in agriculture business.
The Outstanding Heber Springs Campus Student Award was presented to Hannah Adams of Pangburn, who is an education major.
The Outstanding Searcy Campus Student awards were presented to Debra McSpadden of Searcy, who is pursuing an Associate of Science in Business Technology; and Rob Paul of Searcy, who is seeking an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology.
The Outstanding Little Rock Air Force Base Campus Student awards were presented to Esther Whitney of Cabot, who is seeking an Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree; and Cavin Kelso III, of Jacksonville, who is majoring in Computer Information Systems.
Additionally, the Outstanding Registered Student Organization Award was presented to the TRIO Leadership Council.
Other awards announced were: National Residence Hall Honors: Riley Jo Campbell, Faith Degaro, Kristopher Johnson, April Picou, Shyanne Smith, Matthew Sparks, Teddy Terrel, Dennis Andrews, Jessica Ballon, Elizabeth Bamber, Trey Blakenship, Grant Burns, Zachary Creasy, Hayden Flowers, Matthew Mattox, Myles Meldrom, Aaron Patterson, Dalton Pruitt, Jacob Wicker, Hunter Wilson, and Zachary Yarbro.
Retiring Resident Assistants: Faith Degaro, Devyn Grayum, Shyanne Smith, Matthew Sparks, Theodore Terrel, and Jacob Wicker.
Rookie Resident Assistant of the Year: Hannah Garringer
Resident Assistants of the Year: Faith Degaro and Shyanne Smith
Student Life Impact Awards: LaShanda Owens, Campus Operations Manager for Searcy and LRAFB campuses; and Sam Morris, ITS Manager for Network Support.
Spirit of Vanguard Award by Residence Hall Council: Michael Wall of Horizon Hall and Exie Green of Legacy Hall
Program of the Year by Resident Assistants: Theodore Terrel for the Escape Room in Legacy Hall with clues being campus resources.
For more information about ASU-Beebe and its programs, call (501) 882-3600, or visit the ASU- Beebe website at www.asub.edu