College of Communications &
University College honors top graduates

April 29, 2005 -- Six seniors in the College of Communications and one in the University College at Arkansas State University were honored during Convocation of Scholars as the two colleges' most outstanding graduating students.

      Awards were presented to the top student in each degree program, based on scholarship, leadership and service, according to Dr. Russ Shain, dean of the College of Communications.  Those graduating in December of 2004 as well as May and August of this year were eligible.

      Those receiving departmental awards were Sarah Kay Whybrew of Jonesboro, journalism (public relations emphasis); Louis Scivally of Little Rock, printing management; Marsha M. Mays of Wynne, radio-television (broadcast news emphasis); and Melissa Carol Jackson of Osceola, speech communication.

      Two students, Phillip E. Houston of Palestine and Stacy L. Hudson of Searcy, were recognized as recipients of the Robert L. Hoskins Award for Commitment to Professionalism.  The award, based primarily on achievements outside the classroom, is named in honor of the late Dr. Robert L. Hoskins, founding dean of the College of Communications.

      One student in the University College, Brandi C. Jones of Clarksville, was recognized as most outstanding graduate of the bachelor's degree program in digital media and design.      

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Localizing information for hometown news media:

      Phillip Houston's parents are Pete and Sherri Houston of Palestine.

      Stacy Hudson's parents are Porter Hudson of Searcy and Cathy Roberts of Raymond, Miss.

      Melissa Jackson's spouse is Perry Jackson and her parents are Charles and Carolyn Thompson of Osceola.

      Brandi Jones's parents are John and Valerie Jones of Clarksville.

      Marsha Mays's parents are Michael and Mary Mays of Wynne.

      Louis Scivally's parents are Bart Scivally and Linda Scivally, both of Little Rock.

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