Those recognized as President's Scholars were (seated, from left) Sarah Meghan Mitchell of Paragould, Humanities and Social Sciences; Ashley Swetnam of Monette, Fine Arts; Shaundra Flanery, Education; Sarah Adriane Saunders of Malvern, Nursing and Health Professions; (standing) Courtney Rowe of Stamps, Communications; Jeremy Keith Nail of Biscoe, Agriculture; Kevin Batchelor of Kennett, Mo., Sciences and Mathematics; Matthew Tinsley of Jonesboro, Engineering; and Kristen Freeman of Sheridan, Business.  John Allen Burnett of Batesville, University College, was unable to be present.

.President’s Scholar Awards
announced at Honors Ceremony

April 11, 2005 -- Dr. Les Wyatt, president of Arkansas State University, today announced the winners of the President’s Scholars Award for 2004-2005. Wyatt presented the awards during the 72nd Annual Student Honors Awards Ceremony and Reception, an annual event hosted by the university to recognize ASU’s most outstanding graduates. The reception is the highlight of Convocation of Scholars. The award is presented to the graduating senior in each college who has the highest overall grade point average. Graduates from August and December 2004 as well as those graduating in May of this year were eligible.

Recipients and their respective colleges were Jeremy Keith Nail of Biscoe, Agriculture; Kristen Freeman of Sheridan, Business; Courtney Rowe of Stamps, Communications; Shaundra Flanery, Education; Matthew Tinsley of Jonesboro, Engineering; Ashley Swetnam of Monette, Fine Arts; Sarah Meghan Mitchell of Paragould, Humanities and Social Sciences; Sarah Adriane Saunders of Malvern, Nursing and Health Professions; Kevin Batchelor of Kennett, Mo., Sciences and Mathematics; and John Allen Burnett of Batesville, University College.

Agriculture – Jeremy Keith Nail -- Jeremy will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, emphasis in finance, from the College of Agriculture. Among his many achievements, he has the President’s Scholarship from ASU and has been on the President’s List all four years while pursuing his undergraduate degree. Jeremy plans to pursue a career in agricultural lending. His parents are Jody and Rita Nail of Biscoe. His advisor is Dr. Paul Armah.

Business – Kristin Freeman -- Kristin will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in international business from the College of Business. She has been on the Dean’s List and the President’s List every semester while attending ASU. She is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. Her future plans are to attend law school this fall. Kristen is the daughter of Dan and Pam Freeman of Sheridan. Her advisor is Clint Relyea. Communications – Courtney Rowe Courtney will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in journalism-public relations from the College of Communications. Following graduation, she will work as congressional intern in Washington, D.C., and then plans to attend graduate school. She serves as vice president of the Student Government Association and was also named Most Outstanding Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Courtney’s parents are Jimmy and Kaye Rowe of Stamps. Dr. Gil Fowler is her advisor.

Education - Shaundra Flanery -- Shaundra will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in mid-level education from the College of Education. She is a President’s List student and has received the Wal-Mart Community Service Scholarship. She plans to enroll in graduate school and begin teaching in middle school. Shaundra is the daughter of Dennis Flanery and Lanae Foster of Beebe. Her advisor is Dr. Tonja Fillippino.

Engineering - Matthew Tinsley -- Matt will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in engineering upon graduation. A President’s List student for five consecutive semesters, he also served as president of the ASU Chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers and was the recipient of the Statics Award. Matt is the son of Sara and Jim Tinsley of Jonesboro. Jason Stewart is his advisor.

Fine Arts - Ashley Swetnam -- Ashley will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, acting emphasis, from the College of Fine Arts. After graduation, she plans to teach theatre or perhaps work for a theatre and pursue a graduate degree. Her achievements include being named Outstanding New Theatre Student and being selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Her parents are Tommy and Melina Swetnam of Monette. John O’Connell is her advisor.

Humanities and Social Sciences - Sarah Meghan Mitchell -- Meghan will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She plans to become a junior high or senior high Spanish teacher. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and was a President’s List student every single semester. Sarah is married to Greg Mitchell of Paragould and is the daughter of Randy and Pauletta Hollis of Paragould. Her advisor is Ruth Owens.

Nursing and Health Professions - Sarah Adriane Saunders -- Sarah will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She was named to Who’s Who Among American Students in Universities and Colleges and has been a President’s List student since 2001. Her future plans include attending graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in communication disorders. She is married to Scott Saunders and her parents are Dr. Thomas and Leah Justus of Malvern. Dr. Terry Baggs is her advisor.

Sciences and Mathematics - Kevin Batchelor -- Kevin graduated in December 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the College of Sciences and Mathematics. He plans to continue working for Axciom Corporation of Conway and to start graduate school next Spring. He is married to Robin Burke and his parents are Darrell and Paula Batchelor of Kennett, Mo. His advisor was Edward Hammerand.

University College - John Allen Burnett -- John graduated with honors in August 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University College and is currently enrolled in medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His parents are James and Denise Burnett of Batesville. Dr. Herman Strickland is his advisor.

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