Midway University celebrated the exemplary achievements of its students at the annual Joy Edwards Hembree Academic Honors Event held on Tuesday, April 22. The event, named in honor of the late Joy Hembree, a distinguished member of the Midway University Board of Trustees, underscored the institution's commitment to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and community service.
The event featured accolades for faculty, staff, and students, with special recognition given to those who exemplified Midway's core values and demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Professor of the Year award to Dr. Carol Vasco, who was praised for her ability to connect with the students, maintaining a high-quality program that prepares graduates for their careers, and serving as both a mentor and advisor.
In addition to honoring outstanding faculty, we also recognize the invaluable contributions of our staff. This year, Brent Hudgins, a member of the Student Affairs team, was honored as Staff Member of the Year. Mr. Hudgins helps create a positive atmosphere within the Student Affairs Office and demonstrates a true passion for helping students.
Additionally, students across various academic programs were honored for their outstanding achievements. Notable awardees included:
- Outstanding Biology Student Award: Ceaver Perry
- Outstanding Biology Research Student Award: Trinity Smith
- Outstanding Criminal Justice Student Award: Caylee Thompson
- Outstanding Math Student Award: Agustina Olivera
- Outstanding Psychology Student Award: Katelyn Heath
- Outstanding Teacher Education Student Award: Erika Trevarthen
- Outstanding Master of Education Student Award: Katelyn Osborne
- Outstanding English Student Award: Isabel Flores
- Associate Degree in Nursing Award for Professional Excellence Student Award: Hailey Hulette
- Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Award for Professional Excellence Student Award: Kate Schweighardt
- Outstanding Healthcare Administration Student Award: Chris Back
- Outstanding Business Student Award: Axel Akesson
- Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student Award: Tiani Ibbotson
- Outstanding Marketing Student Award: Makayla Brooks
- Outstanding Sport Marketing Student Award: Jose Conde
- Outstanding Sport Management Student Award: Sammy Friel
- Outstanding Equine Studies Student Award: Sadie Tullock
The Office of Student Affairs and the Alumni Office also presented their annual awards and recognitions.
- Student Organization Impact Award: Multicultural Student Association
- Team Impact Award: Midway Swimming Team
- Ruth Slack Roach Junior Scholar: Autumn Young
- Midway University First Year Leadership Award: Blair Riney
- Eagle Leadership Award: Daniel Maia
- Student Alumni Award: Fabian Garcia
The ceremony also recognized students who had been inducted into prestigious academic honor societies such as Alpha Lambda Delta, Beta Beta Beta, and Gamma Beta Phi, underscoring their commitment to scholarly attainment and service. Among these honored students were:
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Cord Recipients:
- Owen Clements
- Isabel Flores
- Sidney Hudnall
- Arabella Kell
- Kylie Kohrs
- Jasmin McClenahan
- Halley Moak
- Ceaver Perry
- Jackson Ryan
- Elisma Stolz
- Caylee Thompson
- Sydney Wright
Beta Beta Beta Honor Cord Recipients:
- Jimmy Daughtery
- Alexis Fliehman
- Holly Johnstone
- Ceaver Perry
- Jackson Ryan
- Aaliyah Styles
Gamma Beta Phi Honor Cord Recipients:
- Christopher Akers
- Jessica Hudler
- Kelsey Martin
- Ryleigh Hargis
- Diandra Giovengo
- Paige Drake
- Loren Soergel
- Aaliyah Stiles
- Laurel Brandenburg
- Axel Sperling
- Halley Moak
- Elizabeth Sickler
- Timothy Weber
- Amanda Combs