April 16, 2001

Wilson Award and Distinguished
Service Awards presented at Convocation

Allison Collier of Pine Bluff, a senior at Arkansas State University, today was named recipient of the 115^th R.E. Lee Wilson Citizenship Award for 2000-2001.

The Wilson Award, ASU’s most prestigious student award, is presented annually to the most outstanding recent graduate or graduating senior. Selection from among the nominees is based upon character, determination, involvement and academic achievement.

Collier will graduate in May with a degree in communication disorders from the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She has played a key role in numerous student organizations and excelled in each aspect of her college career.

The Wilson Award is presented at the Student Honors Luncheon during Convocation of Scholars Week and is the highlight of the annual event. The award is named in honor of R.E. Lee Wilson, a member of the institution’s board of trustees from 1917 until 1933.

Wilson was dedicated to ASU’s development in the early days, and his family has continued that tradition throughout ASU’s history. A member of the Wilson family has presented the award each year.

Mike Wilson, a great-grandson and long-time supporter of ASU, presented this year’s award.

Wilson read quotes from one of the letters of nomination while introducing Collier as the Wilson Award winner. The writer described Collier as one who "breaks the mold when you examine her character, ethics and moral tenacity. She has a natural leadership ability that draws students, faculty and staff alike. She has an upbeat, ‘we can do anything together’ style that will conquer any challenge with a smile and rolled-up sleeves."

Collier also was named one of five recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.

Other DSA winners were Natasha Cole of Lonoke; Angela Davis of West Memphis; LaCresha Hamilton of West Helena; and Heather Slinkard of Rogers.

Dr. Rick Stripling, interim vice president for student affairs, presented the DSA awards, which are based on scholarship, contributions to student life and involvement in university activities.

All of the Distinguished Service Award winners have numerous achievements in leadership roles, campus activities and academics. Here are some highlights about each award recipient.

Allison Collier - Wilson Award and Distinguished Service Award

Collier is a Presidential Ambassador and Tribal Leader, and served as director of the Up ‘Til Dawn fund-raising campaign, which raises money annually for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. She worked as a rehabilitation technician for Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Jonesboro.

A senator for the Student Government Association, she also served as a member of the Student Union Advisory Board, the Student Activities Board and on the Homecoming Activities Committee. She is active with Greek organizations and served as secretary of Chi Omega social sorority and president of the Order of Omega.

Her parents are William and Barbara Collier of Pine Bluff.

Her academic advisor is Dr. Mike McDaniel.

Natasha Cole of Lonoke - DSA

A Presidential Ambassador, Cole is also a President’s List student and a recipient of the President’s Scholarship. She was named one of the Top Ten Outstanding Juniors in the College of Business, and to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

The editor of Indian Yearbook served as vice president of the College of Business Student Advisory Board, vice president of membership for the Marketing Club and parliamentarian of Gamma Beta Phi. She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies.

She is the daughter of Art and Lori Cole of Jacksonville and Skipper and Kim Clement of Lonoke.

Her academic advisor is Dr. Joe Horsley.

Angela Davis of West Memphis - DSA

Davis is an Indian Ambassador and serves in various capacities for the Black Student Association, Student Activities Board, African American Advisory Board and Diversity/Marketing Committee. She is a resident assistant, an Upward Bound Tutor and on the planning committee for Martin Luther King Week.

She is the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including the Strong-Turner Linual Cameron Memorial Scholarship, Student Activities Board Member of the Year and the National Minority Leadership Award. She was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

She is the daughter of Field and Thelma Davis of West Memphis.

Dr. Ann Grippo is her academic advisor.

LaCresha Hamilton of West Helena - DSA

Hamilton is a recipient of several scholarships including the William Randolph Hearst Scholarship, the Academic Challenge Scholarship, Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Lillian Barton Book Scholarship. She served as a senator in the Student Government Association, and as a participant in the Mentor Assisting Peer Program.

An Indian Ambassador, she has served several capacities in the Black Student Association including treasurer and special events coordinator. She was a member of the African American Advisory Council and the Student Enrollment Services Committee.

Her mother is Audrey Hamilton of West Helena.

Dr. Mary Jackson Pitts is her academic advisor.

Heather Slinkard of Rogers - DSA

Slinkard is a President’s List student, was named to the Greek Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She is a member of several honor societies including Kappa Mu Epsilon, Gamma Beta Phi and Phi Eta Sigma.

She is a Presidential Ambassador and a Tribal Leader, and served as a senator for the Student Government Association. She served as president of the ASU Panhellenic Council, and in numerous capacities as a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi social sorority.

She is the daughter of Howard and Karen Slinkard of Rogers.

Dr. Seth Armstrong is her academic advisor.

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