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.

Smalec will graduate in May with a degree in communications, with an emphasis in public relations, from the College of Communications. The former president of the Student Government Association has played a key role in numerous student organizations and excelled in every aspect of her college career.

The Wilson Award is presented at the Annual Student Honors Reception 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 to 1933.

Wilson was dedicated to ASU’s development in the early days, and his family has presented the award each year.

Diana Wilson Gray, a great-granddaughter and long-time supporter of ASU, presented this year’s award.

Wilson read quotes from the letters of nomination while introducing Smalec as the Wilson Award winner. The writers described Smalec as a student who is "dependable, hard-working and enthusiastic. Andrea truly leads by example and is certainly deserving of the recognition this award brings.

"She has shown maturity in her leadership when presenting and supporting issues of student concern in the various university constituencies. She is sincerely committed to making a positive difference in all that she undertakes."

A Presidential Ambassador, Blackwell served in several leadership capacities for the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Interfraternity Council and Sigma Pi Fraternity. He was also named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

Blackwell served as a Greek 101 Coordinator, a cheerleader, a Tribal Leader and an educational consultant for his fraternity. He worked for various offices on campus, including the Office of Advancement’s phone-a-thon, where he helped to raise money for various colleges within the university.

He is the son of Sonny and Sandy Blackwell of Bald Knob. His academic advisor is Dr. Joel Gambill.

Choate has been actively involved with the Student Activities Board and Student Government Association, serving as executive staff treasurer, action fund treasurer and on the election commission. She is a President’s and Deans’ List student and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

Choate is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta social sorority, and a Presidential Ambassador. She is the recipient of numerous scholarships including the Robert Dean Moore Leadership Scholarship, the Alltel/Arkansas Press Association Scholarship and the Academic Distinction Scholarship.

Her parents are David Choate of Little Rock and Carla Choate of Beebe. Her academic advisor is Dr. Gil Fowler.

Hackney is a member of numerous honor societies and the recipient of several scholarships, including the Troutt Brothers Memorial Scholarship and the Arkansas Advertising Federation Scholarship. She is a President’s and Deans’ List student, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

Hackney worked in advertising for the Herald, was a phonathon volunteer, and served on the public relations committee for the Student Government Association. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, the Marketing Club and the Student Alumni Chapter.

Hackney’s parents are Joe and Judy Hackney of Stuttgart.

Dr. Joel Gambill is her academic advisor.

Huckabee has been active in various leadership roles throughout his undergraduate career. He served the Student Government Association as a freshman senator, parliamentarian, election commissioner, vice president and president.

He has supported philanthropic organizations and activities on campus, and continues to serve on numerous university boards and committees, including the Student Union, Order of the Tribe and ASU Pride Day. Huckabee is an Eagle Scout and remains active with the Boy Scouts by serving as an assistant scoutmaster.

He is the son of Governor Mike and Janet Huckabee of Little Rock. His academic advisor is Dr. Ross Marlay.

A President’s List student, Pugh was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She is an honors student, a member of several honor societies and the Strong-Turner 3.0 Club.

She served as the public relations chair and secretary for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and as the multicultural enrichment director and celebrity showcase director for the Student Activities Board. Pugh also served as secretary for the Black Student Association, and is a member of the Young Democrats.

Her parents are Billy and Carolyn Pugh of Pine Bluff. Her academic advisor is Cloyis Daughhetee.

A Presidential Ambassador and an Indian Ambassador, Rieke also serves as vice president of the Union Advisory Board and vice president of scholarship for Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She is a member of the Marketing Club and Phi Beta Lambda Business Society.

She was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, and participated in a Global Student Leadership conference in England and France. A President’s List student, Rieke served in various positions in the Student Government Association.

Rieke is the daughter of Dan and Linda Rieke of Hazen. Dr. Randall Kesselring is her academic advisor.

Smalec has held several leadership positions including president of the Student Government Association and the Public Relations Student Society of America, and vice president of Kays Hall Council. A President’s List and National Dean’s List student, she was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

She is a member of several honor societies and university committees and boards, such as the University Planning Committee and President’s Council. A Presidential Ambassador, Smalec is a member of the Young Democrats and a former reporter for the Herald.

Smalec’s mother is Deidree Smalec and her grandparents are Don and Camille Wallace, all of Mountain Home.

Dr. Joel Gambill is her academic advisor.

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