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Students Receive Awards at University of Mount Olive
MOUNT OLIVE – Several students were recognized for their achievements at the University of Mount Olive’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Among those receiving awards were:
Rachel Gray of Stony Point, NC received the Agribusiness Student of the Year. Gray is a senior Agribusiness major. This award is given to an outstanding agribusiness senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests.
William Allen of Oak Island, NC received the History/Social Studies Student of the Year. Allen is a senior History major. This award is given to an outstanding history/social studies student as selected by the Department of History and Social Studies faculty. Selection criteria include: having a GPA of 3.5 or better; academic excellence; professional service; and personal growth..
Shelby Carrol of Concord, NC received the The Senior Citizen Cup. Carrol is a senior Agriculture Production Systems and Environment & Natural Resources major. The Senior Citizenship Cup is presented by the Student Affairs Office to the graduating senior who has evidenced the most outstanding qualities of citizenship during his/her academic career at the University of Mount Olive..
Amber McCarthy of Havelock, NC received the Jan Brewer Scholarship Award. McCarthy is a sophomore Business Administration major. The Jan Brewer Scholarship Award, given in memory of Janet Ruth Brewer (1959—1981), class of 1979, is made possible by an endowment established in Ms. Brewer’s honor in April 1980 by her classmates and friends. Brewer, a member of Dublin Grove Free Will Baptist Church, though born with Cystic Fibrosis, achieved her goal of earning a college degree when she received an Associate in Science degree from Mount Olive College. This award is given to a student who is successfully overcoming adversity in pursuit of a college education. The Jan Brewer Scholarship is payable on future educational expenses at University of Mount Olive..
Benjamyn Elliott of Wade, NC received the English Student of the Year. Elliott is a senior English major. This award is a $100 cash award from Sigma Tau Delta, which is presented to the best English studies student, as chosen by the Language and Literature faculty. Selection criteria include: 3.0 GPA or better, demonstrates intellectual maturity, possess excellent analytical and communication skills and shows enthusiasm about the field by participating in extracurricular activities within the department, and/or reading beyond that required for coursework..
Andrew Cruse of Faison, NC received the The President’s Citizenship Award. Cruse is a sophomore Elementary Education major. The President’s Citizenship Award, first awarded in 1972, is a scholarship presented to a returning student who has made the greatest contribution to the University during the academic year. The scholarship is payable on future educational expenses at the University of Mount Olive..
Elizabeth Stalls of Warsaw, NC received the MBA Student of the Year. Stalls is a MBA student. The MBA Student of the Year honor is awarded to an MBA scholar who completed all course requirements with the University of Mount Olive and earned the highest grade-point average among all UMO: MBA students who met the graduation criteria during the prior calendar year (i.e., prior three graduations: fall, summer, and spring)..
Keisha Olympia Beal of Durham, NC received the Human Resource Management Student of the Year. Olympia Beal is a senior Human Resource Management major. This award is given to an outstanding human resource management senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Shelly Sutton of Snow Hill, NC received the Outstanding BSN Student of the Year. Sutton is a senior Nursing major. This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate nursing student of senior standing with a GPA of 3.8 or better. Selection criteria include: exemplifies an enthusiastic commitment to professional nursing; promotes nursing through their commitment and professional image; is a member of their professional nursing organization; demonstrates evidence of the active pursuit of knowledge through their conscientious efforts in research and scholarly activities, and their creative, positive attitude toward learning and intellectual curiosity; and promotes the caring dimension of nursing through their interpersonal skills, sensitivity to others, collaboration efforts, and flexibility..
Erica Boswell of Clayton, NC received the Outstanding Recreation/Leisure Studies Major. Boswell is a senior Exercise Science major. This award is given to an outstanding RLS Exercise Science senior who has demonstrated scholarship and service/leadership capabilities. The award is presented to a student recipient having completed at least 92 semester hours (30 of which must be from UMO), and 48 semester hours of RLS course work at the University of Mount Olive, and having a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better on all “core” and “professional emphasis” course work. Scholarship selection criteria includes; professional conferences, workshops, or seminars attended; professional memberships; volunteer or paid experiences related to the RLS profession; positions held in University, civic clubs, or other organizations; and membership in other academic/scholarly societies..
Katrin Hales of Smithfield, NC received the Music Student of the Year. Hales is a senior Music major. This award is given to the senior music major who best exemplifies the ideals of a successful music major by demonstrating discipline and musical excellence. Selection criteria include: minimum GPA of 3.2, music major, academic excellence, professional service, outstanding musical ability..
Randy Jackson of Grifton, NC received the The Free Will Baptist Ministerial Award. Jackson is a freshman Christian Studies major. The North Carolina Ministerial Association of Original Free Will Baptists gives this scholarship to an outstanding returning Free Will Baptist student who has demonstrated potential for excellence in the Christian ministry..
Jessi Hines of Deep Run, NC received the Accounting Student of the Year. Hines is a senior Business Accounting major. This award is given to an outstanding accounting senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Anthony Howard of Deep Run, NC received the W. Burkette Raper Outstanding Student of the Year in Christian Studies. Howard is a senior Christian Studies major. This award is given to an outstanding graduating Christian Studies student on the basis of academic excellence and evidence of commitment to the Christian ministry. This award was provided by Dr. Thomas R. Morris (September 17, 1930 – January 12, 2021), because of his desire to advance the educational and spiritual quality of persons entering the Christian ministry. He chose to name this award in honor and memory of Dr. W. Burkette Raper for his lifelong commitment to the University of Mount Olive. Selection criteria includes 3.5 GPA or better, academic excellence, professional service, and personal growth.
Rachel Cottle of Castle Hayne, NC received the Outstanding Recreation/Leisure Studies Major. Cottle is a senior Recreational Therapy major. This award is given to an outstanding RLS Recreational Therapy senior who has demonstrated scholarship and service/leadership capabilities. The award is presented to a student recipient having completed at least 92 semester hours (30 of which must be from UMO), and 48 semester hours of RLS course work at the University of Mount Olive, and having a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better on all “core” and “professional emphasis” course work. Scholarship selection criteria includes; professional conferences, workshops, or seminars attended; professional memberships; volunteer or paid experiences related to the RLS profession; positions held in University, civic clubs, or other organizations; and membership in other academic/scholarly societies..
Christopher Cross of Hampstead, NC received the Alumni Award for CJC Student of the Year. Cross is a senior Criminal Justice & Criminology major. This award is presented in honor and memory of fallen alumni who have given their lives in the field of duty. In particular, this award recognizes the contributions of Michael Martin and Donald A. Miller, graduates of the Criminal Justice & Criminology program at the University of Mount Olive. Officer Martin was a highway patrolman with the State of North Carolina, and Officer Miller was a detective with the New Bern Police Department. These distinguished public servants represent the best of society through their commitment and dedication to our safety. This award is given annually to an outstanding undergraduate student in the CJC and Sociology AGP Program who demonstrates academic prowess in the classroom, dedication to family and community, and professionalism in the field. The award recipient must be a graduating CJC student with a GPA of 3.5 or better, who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, collegiality, and adherence to the University covenant..
Ellen Lunsford of Roxboro, NC received the Outstanding MSN Student of the Year. Lunsford is a senior Nursing major. This award is given to a graduating Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) student with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The student must: (1) demonstrate professional values in advanced practice roles, including the responsibility for continuing professional growth and development; (2) utilize an array of skills, techniques, and new technology to effectively develop, design, and evaluate nursing and healthcare education programs in a variety of settings; (3) incorporate knowledge and skills in nursing management models, healthcare finance, human and material resource allocation, delivery paradigms, quality and technology management, and productivity; and (4) integrate adult learning theories and research from nursing education and related disciplines to facilitate learning, through the creation of learning environments, that facilitate learners’ self-reflection, personal goal setting, and socialization to the role of the nurse..
Kimberly Chapman of Randleman, NC received the Southern Bank Agricultural Education Student of the Year. Chapman is a senior Agricultural Education major. This award is presented to an outstanding agricultural education student having completed 60 semester hours and having demonstrated academic excellence, professional service, commitment to community and personal growth as determined by the Agricultural Education faculty and staff. The student receives a cash reward that is sponsored by Southern Bank..
Cesia Soto of Cary, NC received the Early Childhood Education Student of the Year. Soto is a senior Early Childhood Education major. This award is given to an outstanding ECE student as selected by the Division of Education faculty. Selection criteria includes: having a GPA of 3.0 or better and having satisfactorily completed the senior research project..
Essence Battle of Goldsboro, NC received the Healthcare Management Student of the Year. Battle is a senior Healthcare Management major. This award is given to an outstanding healthcare management senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Kali Kasulis of Goldsboro, NC received the Outstanding Agriculture Student of the Year. Kasulis is a senior Veterinary Bioscience major. This award is given to a student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The recipient exemplifies academic performance and leadership qualities both in and out of the classroom and must be active in agricultural events and campus organizations. This student is selected by the faculty from the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and presented with a cash award..
Tanner Smith of Goldsboro, NC received the Visual Arts Student of the Year. Smith is a senior Photography major. This award is given to the senior student who best exemplifies the ideals of the successful visual arts major by demonstrating discipline, creativity, and integrity..
Matthew Kornegay of Mount Olive, NC received the Handy Mart Business Scholarship. Kornegay is a junior Business Management major. This scholarship is sponsored by E. J. and Judson Pope for two rising juniors majoring in business administration who best exhibit excellence in academics, university and community service, and civic responsibility..
Logan Price of Mount Olive, NC received the Most Promising Recreation/Leisure Studies Underclassman. Price is a junior Recreation and Leisure Studies major. This award is given to an underclassman who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and service/leader- ship capabilities. The award is presented to a student recipient having completed at least 30 semester hours at the University of Mount Olive, and at least 12 semester hours of RLS course work, and having a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better and a 3.0 GPA or better on all RLS course work. Service/leadership selection criteria includes: completion of RLS Field Training with grades of B or better; community activities related to the RLS profession; and membership in college, civic clubs, or other organizations..
Blair Tadlock of Mount Olive , NC received the The Louise Edgerton Teacher Education Student of the Year. Tadlock is a senior Elementary Education major. This award is provided through the generosity of Dr. Thomas R. Morris (September 17, 1930 – January 12, 2021), in memory of his cousin, Louise Edgerton, to honor her 18 years of service as a trustee to the University and her 40 years as a public school teacher. The award is presented to a senior education major demonstrating academic excellence and showing promise as a prospective educator. The award recipient is selected by the Division of Education faculty..
Macy Parkhurst of Pikeville, NC received the Handy Mart Business Scholarship. Parkhurst is a junior Business Management major. This scholarship is sponsored by E. J. and Judson Pope for two rising juniors majoring in business administration who best exhibit excellence in academics, university and community service, and civic responsibility..
Lissette Wilson of Madison, Alabama received the Computer Information Systems Student of the Year. Wilson is a senior Computer Information Systems major. This award is given to an outstanding computer/management information systems senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Jaiden Moody of Solano, CA received the Lorelle F. Martin Science Award. Moody is a senior Biology and Environmental Science major. This award is a scholarship given by the University of Mount Olive in honor and memory of Lorelle F. Martin, professor emerita, who taught science at Mount Olive College from 1957-1987. The award is given to an outstanding returning science major who has demonstrated excellence in the biological sciences selected by the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences..
Jasmine Pinter of Fort Howard, MD received the CJC Student Leadership Award. Pinter is a senior Criminal Justice & Criminology major. This award is presented in recognition of students who serve as leaders inside and outside the classroom. The recipient will exhibit the ability to overcome adversity, stand out as a leader among colleagues in the class and in the student community, and uphold the tenets of the Covenant. This award recognizes the contributions of John Ryan and others who stood out as leaders during their tenure at the University of Mount Olive. Mr. Ryan earned a double major in Criminology and Psychology, was an officer of the SLJA and student founder of FLAGSA, went on to graduate from Campbell University Law School, and presently teaches as an Adjunct Professor for the CJC Department. Students are encouraged to make nominations and write letters of support to the Scholarship and Award Committee. The award recipient must be a graduating CJC student with a GPA of 3.5 or better, who demonstrates leadership, collegiality, and adherence to the University covenant.
Jaelis Rodriguez of Waldorf, MD received the Psychology Student of the Year. Rodriguez is a senior Psychology major. This award is given to a senior with a 3.5 GPA or higher who displays attitudes and behavior consistent with the UMO mission and covenant. The student should demonstrate quality independent research or clinical proficiency as demonstrated by the evaluations from the internship site supervisor and university supervisor. The student should also display a commitment to the department and psychology major by participating in clubs, seminars, panels and events..
Marshall Weinberg of Wexford, PA received the Award for Excellence in Science. Weinberg is a sophomore Physical and Mathematical Science major. This award is given to an outstanding returning science major who has demonstrated excellence in the physical sciences selected by the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences..
Emery Kennedy of Frisco, Texas received the Professors Award for CJC Student of the Year. Kennedy is a senior Criminal Justice, Criminology and Sociology major. This award is presented in honor of those distinguished professors who facilitated the development of the department and contributed greatly to the education of both students and colleagues. In particular, this award recognizes the contributions of Dr. Allen Hull and Professor Michael Bumgarner. These gentlemen had distinguished careers in Law Enforcement and Corrections, respectively, prior to working full time at the University of Mount Olive. They encouraged the team teaching approach and solidarity among students to enhance the learning environment. This award is given annually to an outstanding undergraduate student in the CJC & Sociology Traditional Program who leads by example through hard work and respect for others. The award recipient must be a graduating senior CJC student with a GPA of 3.5 or better, who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, collegiality, and adherence to the U`niversity covenant.
Arthur Heinbach of Chantraine, France received the Finance. Heinbach is a senior Business Finance major. This award is given to an outstanding finance senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with a resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Ivanda Hudajova of Vincennes, Latvia received the Marketing Student of the Year. Hudajova is a senior Business Marketing major. This award is given to an outstanding marketing senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with a resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Louie Hadfield of Nelson, New Zealand received the Business Management Student of the Year. Hadfield is a senior Business Management major. This award is given to an outstanding business management senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with résumé capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Ivan Khomutov of Moscow, Russia received the Analytics Student of the Year. Khomutov is a senior Business Analytics major. This award is given to an outstanding analytics senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or better with resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests..
Aidan Gilbride of Glasgow, UK received the Outstanding Recreation/Leisure Studies Major. Gilbride is a senior Sports Communication and Sports Management major. This award is given to an outstanding RLS Sports Communication and Sport Management senior who has demonstrated scholarship and service/leadership capabilities. The award is presented to a student recipient having completed at least 92 semester hours (30 of which must be from UMO), and 48 semester hours of RLS course work at the University of Mount Olive, and having a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better on all “core” and “professional emphasis” course work. Scholarship selection criteria includes; professional conferences, workshops, or seminars attended; professional memberships; volunteer or paid experiences related to the RLS profession; positions held in University, civic clubs, or other organizations; and membership in other academic/scholarly societies..
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University is sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
