Featured
Awards Night 2026
North Carolina
Cabarrus County
Business Management Student of the Year
Jacob DeVos
Given to an outstanding business management 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.
Award for Excellence in Science
Alexis Tobin
Given to an outstanding returning science major who has demonstrated excellence in the physical sciences, selected by the Department of Physical & Mathematical Sciences.Carteret County
Outstanding Mathematics Major
Shawn Benson
Given to an upper-class student who has excelled in mathematics as determined by the mathematics faculty.Chowan County
Agribusiness Student of the Year
Sarah Goodwin
Given to an outstanding agribusiness 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.Craven County
Passionate Nurse Award
Angela Cristino
Given to a BSN student who embodies the heart and soul of nursing through dedication, compassion, and zeal for the profession—excelling academically and consistently going above and beyond to promote best practices in nursing and offer unwavering support to peers.Forsyth County
Human Resource Management Student of the Year
Briana Wright
Given to an outstanding human resources management 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.Gaston County
Justice Studies Student Leadership Award
Novian Williams
Recognizes students who stand out as leaders in the classroom and community during their tenure at UMO. Presented to a student who has exhibited the ability to overcome adversity, lead among colleagues, and uphold the tenets of the University covenant. Requires a GPA of 3.3 or higher; nominated by the Justice Studies Student Advisory Council.Greene County
MBA Student of the Year
Sara Worthington
Awarded to an MBA scholar who completed all course requirements at UMO and earned the highest grade-point average among all UMO MBA students meeting graduation criteria during the prior calendar year (prior three graduations: fall, summer, and spring).
W. Burkette Raper Religion Student of the Year
Jessica Oakes
Given to an outstanding graduating ministerial student on the basis of academic excellence and commitment to the Christian ministry, honoring the memory of Dr. W. Burkette Raper. Requires a 3.5 GPA or better, academic excellence, professional service, and personal growth.Harnett County
Jan Brewer Scholarship Award
Jacob Currin
Presented in memory of Janet Ruth Brewer (1959–1981), Class of 1979. Awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional determination in overcoming adversity while pursuing a university education.Full Profile
Currin’s journey reflects the very spirit of the award. Following medical malpractice at birth, he lives as a nonvocal quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Despite these profound physical challenges, Currin has consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience and commitment to academic success.
A graduate of Triton High School, Currin earned the rank of Eagle Scout before earning his Associate in Arts degree from Central Carolina Community College. He enrolled at UMO in Spring 2021 and recently added a second major in Finance.
“Jacob exemplifies courage, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to learning. He has overcome immense obstacles while excelling academically, supporting classmates, and inspiring everyone around him.” — UMO Faculty
Business Administration Student of the Year Award
Nathan Batson
Recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic performance while contributing meaningfully to their communities and campus life through outstanding leadership and community involvement.Johnston County
Senior Citizenship Cup
Alicia Gachuz
Presented by the Student Affairs Office to the graduating senior who has evidenced the most outstanding qualities of citizenship during their academic career at the University of Mount Olive.
Louise Edgerton Teacher Education Student of the Year
Alicia Gachuz
Sponsored by Dr. Thomas R. Morris in memory of Louise Edgerton, honoring her 18 years as a University trustee and 40 years as a public school teacher. Presented to a senior education major demonstrating academic excellence and showing promise as a prospective educator, selected by the Division of Education faculty.
Justice Studies Outstanding Student Award
Kodey Butler
Presented to the highest-performing Justice Studies and Sociology senior in a traditional graduating class. Requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, superior analytical and communication skills, and mastery demonstrated through a senior research project and participation in research symposiums or professional conferences.
Psychology Student of the Year
Cayden Sutton
Given to a senior with a 3.5 GPA or higher who demonstrates quality independent research or clinical proficiency as evaluated by internship supervisors, and displays commitment to the department through participation in clubs, seminars, panels, and events.
Free Will Baptist Ministerial Award
Christopher Martin
Given by the North Carolina Ministerial Association of Original Free Will Baptist to an outstanding returning Free Will Baptist student who has demonstrated potential for excellence in the Christian ministry.
Counseling Division Student of the Year
Jacqueline Samuelson
Awarded to a second-year graduate student in the M.S. in Counseling program who demonstrates outstanding academic performance, clinical skills, leadership, and contributions to the counseling profession and community.Montgomery County
Early Childhood Education Student of the Year
Crystal Lemons
Given to an outstanding ECE student selected by the Division of Education faculty. Requires a GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory completion of the senior research project.Moore County
President’s Citizenship Award
Amy Bumgarner
First awarded in 1972, the President’s Citizenship Award is 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.Full Profile
As a dedicated Agricultural Education student, Bumgarner has distinguished herself through leadership, service, and a deep commitment to the University community. Serving as a Resident Assistant, she has provided mentorship and support to fellow students while creating programs that foster connection and student success. Her work with the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center has further strengthened UMO’s agricultural learning environment through both administrative and hands-on contributions.
Bumgarner has also served as a Young Farmers & Ranchers officer and as an advocate for the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, representing the University at recruitment events including AgFest and career fairs. Through outreach efforts with local elementary school students, she has helped educate second graders about agriculture and food systems, demonstrating her passion for both education and community engagement.
Faculty and staff noted that Bumgarner’s dedication to service and her enthusiasm for UMO and the Mount Olive community, paired with her tireless work ethic, made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Nash County
Sophia H. Potts English Award
Sharon Whitley Hopper
A $1,000 scholarship established in 1983 in memory of Sophia H. Potts (1908–1982), who taught English and speech at Mount Olive College from 1956–1959. Each year composition faculty nominate students from ENG 111 and ENG 112; entries are reviewed and a winning essay is identified.Onslow County
Counseling Division Student of the Year
Yesenia Llera
Awarded to a second-year graduate student in the M.S. in Counseling program who demonstrates outstanding academic performance, clinical skills, leadership, and contributions to the counseling profession and community.Sampson County
Cybersecurity & Applied CS — Software Engineering Track
Dru Taylor
Given to an upper-class student who has excelled in the Software Engineering track of the Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science program, as determined by the Cybersecurity and Computer Science faculty.Wake County
Healthcare Management Student of the Year
Katherine Lugo
Given to an outstanding healthcare management 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.Wayne County
Accounting Student of the Year
Mauricio Pantoja Douglas
Given to an outstanding accounting 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.
Nursing Student Leadership Award
Alexis Lewis
Given to a BSN student who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and commitment to their education and the nursing profession—exemplifying integrity, initiative, and dedication to excellence while inspiring peers and contributing to the future of nursing.
Music Student of the Year
Alexis Rector
Given to the senior music major who best exemplifies the ideals of a successful music major by demonstrating discipline and musical excellence. Requires a minimum GPA of 3.2, academic excellence, professional service, and outstanding musical ability.Wilkes County
Agriculture Student of the Year
Emily Hodges
Given to a student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who exemplifies academic performance and leadership qualities in and out of the classroom, and is active in agricultural events and campus organizations. Selected by faculty from the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences; includes a cash award.Out of State
Chesterfield County, SC
Animal Science Student of the Year Award
Madison Champagne
Presented to an outstanding animal science or veterinary bioscience senior with a minimum of 90 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or higher while demonstrating academic excellence, professional service, and commitment to both campus and animal industry communities. Selected by faculty within the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.Full Profile
Since enrolling at UMO in 2023, Champagne has distinguished herself academically while maintaining a 3.94 GPA and serving in multiple leadership roles across campus. She has served as president of the Animal Science Club, worked as a resident assistant, and dedicated time to tutoring fellow students, all while pursuing the rigorous path toward veterinary school.
Her academic journey has been further enhanced by internship opportunities, including valuable equine medical experience at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky. This fall, Champagne will continue her educational journey at Clemson University’s veterinary school, where she earned a full-tuition scholarship, with plans to pursue large animal veterinary medicine serving rural communities.
Champagne credits her faith, family, and the mentorship of UMO faculty for helping guide her path and prepare her for future success.
Lancaster County, VA
Aviation and Business Management Student of the Year
Claire Beitel
Given to an outstanding Aviation and Business Management senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributions, and other interests.Pasco County, FL
Outstanding Senior Studying Sports
Natalia Kaminski
Given to an outstanding senior studying sports who has demonstrated scholarship and service/leadership capabilities. Requires at least 92 semester hours (30 from UMO), 48 hours of ESS course work, 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 ESS profession; positions held in university; civic clubs, or other organizations; and membership in other academic/scholarly societies.Full Profile
Following graduation, Kaminski will continue her job as a reporter with WWSB-TV.
Queen Anne’s County, MD
Cybersecurity & Applied CS — Applied Computer Science Track
Colin Athey
Given to an outstanding Applied Computer Science Track senior having a minimum of 92 semester hours and a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a resume capturing leadership qualities, community contributors, and other interests.Virginia
Visual Arts Student of the Year
Christopher Brown
Given to the senior student who best exemplifies the ideals of the successful visual arts major by demonstrating discipline, creativity, and integrity.York County, SC
Agricultural Education Student of the Year
Emily Broshious
Presented to an outstanding agricultural education student having completed 60 semester hours and demonstrating academic excellence, professional service, commitment to community, and personal growth, as determined by the Agricultural Education faculty and staff. This student receives a cash reward sponsored by Southern Bank.International
Alberta, Canada
Outstanding Exercise Science Senior
James Murphy
Given to an outstanding 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 major 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 major course work. Scholarship selection criteria include professional conferences, workshops, or seminars attended; professional memberships; volunteer or paid experiences related to the ESS profession; positions held in university; civic clubs, or other organizations; and membership in other academic/scholarly societies.France
Lorelle F. Martin Science Award
Lucie Levet
A scholarship given in honor and memory of Lorelle F. Martin, Professor Emerita, who taught science at Mount Olive College from 1957–1987. Awarded to an outstanding returning science major who has demonstrated excellence in biological sciences, selected by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.Spain
Marketing Student of the Year
Victoria Calle González-Huix
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.Sweden
Finance Student of the Year
