Wilson and Distinguished Service Awards for 2009 presented at Student Honors ceremony

April 13, 2009 -- Gregory Kyle Fulton of Jonesboro, a senior at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, was named today as the recipient of the R. E. Lee Wilson Award for 2008-2009 at the 76^th annual Student Honors Awards ceremony in the Student Union Auditorium.

Fulton is the 123^rd recipient of the award and was chosen by unanimous vote of the Student Honors Selection Committee. The committee, comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni, makes several selections for recipients of the Distinguished Service Award from nominations by faculty, advisers to student organizations, and other members of the ASU community.

One member from the winners of the Distinguished Service Award is then selected as the Wilson Award winner, the university’s highest honor to a graduating senior. This year, 23 students were nominated for a Distinguished Service Award.

The Wilson Award, ASU’s most prestigious student award, is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating senior. The committee's selection from among the nominees is based upon character, determination, involvement and academic achievement, as well as leadership in organizations and activities of general campus significance.

Fulton is a native of Jonesboro in Craighead County, and is the son of Ronald and Loretta Fulton of Jonesboro. He majors in biology pre-professional and Spanish through both the College of Mathematics & Sciences and the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.

Fulton will graduate In Honors, and has been named to the President's List and Chancellor's List each semester since his freshman year. He served as public relations director for the ASU Student Government Association, was selected for 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities' and was chosen for an intensive language program in Costa Rica where he lived for a month with a family who spoke no English.

In addition to his academic achievements, Fulton has worked 20-40 hours a week since his freshman year as assistant concessions director at the Convocation Center. Among numerous community service activities, he was a volunteer counselor at Camp Aldersgate Medical Camp in Little Rock, was president of Colleges Against Cancer each year while at ASU, chair of the ASU Relay for Life, tutored high school and elementary school students, and coordinated a board game drive to benefit children undergoing cancer treatment at St Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis, collecting more than 250 donations. He will graduate in May with both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. His advisors are Dr. Ronald Johnson in Biology and Dr. Yvonne Unnold in Spanish.

Some of those nominating Fulton said: “In the classroom, he has earned the respect of both peers and superiors. In regard to service, he has been tireless in efforts both on and off campus, each representing a sizeable commitment of time and energy. He has demonstrated leadership skills throughout college in a diversified manner."

"His ability to listen and connect to peers, faculty and staff rise above other members of his group, leading by example and motivating others through dedication to completing projects thoroughly and with never-ending humor."

"While busy working in a fast-paced job and juggling college full time, he stepped up immediately to be president of our organization when we had little participation. It is because of his hard work that we have grown into a respected student organization. As a graduate of ASU, I believe he is exactly the type of individual that I want to represent my alma mater."

The Wilson Award is presented at the annual Student Honors ceremony during Convocation of Scholars Week, and is the highlight of the annual event.  The Wilson Awards have been presented since 1934 and are named in honor of R.E. Lee Wilson, a member of the institution’s Board of Trustees from 1917 to 1933. Wilson Hall was completed in 1932 with his help.  This building, named for Mr. Wilson, is the oldest building on campus and is the site of The Scholar, the symbol used today to portray ASU’s mission to educate, enhance and enrich lives.

Wilson was dedicated to ASU’s development, and a member of his family has presented the award each year. Perry Wilson of Little Rock, great-great grandson of R. E. Lee Wilson, presented this year’s award medallion. Margo Travis AufderHeide, who received the Wilson Award in 1976, presented Fulton a scholarship check from the Wilson Fellows, comprised of past winners, to continue his education.

ASU Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts presented the Distinguished Service Awards, which are based on scholarship, contributions to student life, and involvement in university activities.

Distinguished Service Award winners are, from left, Yana-Janell Scott, Kevin Linker, Rachel Caitlin Farris, Kyle Fulton, Quan Poole, Heather Gillion, and Brian C. Flagg.

In addition to Fulton, the recipients of the annual Distinguished Service Award for 2008-2009 were Rachel Caitlin Farris, Brian C. Flagg, Heather Gillion, Kevin Linker, Quan Poole, and Yana-Janell Scott. 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:

Rachel Caitlin Farris, whose hometown is Jonesboro in Craighead County, majors in early childhood education in the College of Education. She has been very involved with her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, serving as pledge class president and National Pan-Hellenic Council representative. She was ASU's majorette captain as well as director of Majorette Camp, also serving as president of the collegiate chapter of the Association for Childhood Education International. She was selected for induction into several academic honor societies as well as 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.' She was chosen to be a Global Student Leader traveling to South America, received the 2008 Lu Nedrow Award and was named Greek Woman of the Year. She was a local elementary school First Grade Mentor, was sponsor and instructor for majorette camps at Nettleton Junior and Senior High, and volunteered for causes such as the March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Rodeo, and the United Way Day of Caring. She will graduate in May, and her adviser is Dr. Diane Lawler-Prince. Rachel is the daughter of Dr. Jerry and Kathy Farris of Jonesboro.

Brian C. Flagg comes from Ripley, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. He majors in electrical engineering in the College of Engineering, with a minor in mathematics. In addition to those demanding fields of study, Brian has played defensive end for four years on the ASU football team where he won the Hustle Award and the "I Will" Award (and had 140 career tackles). He has served as a tutor for other students and student-athletes, teaching subjects in math, science and engineering. In addition to numerous academic achievements such as three-time First Team Academic All-District 6, Sun Belt Conference Commissioner's List,  Athletic Director's Honor Roll, Dean's List and President's List, he was named an ESPN First Team Academic All American, an award which is given to only 22 young men each year in the nation. He received the Outstanding Electric Circuits Award, and was named Outstanding Graduate in Electrical Engineering, passing the NCESS Fundamentals of Engineering examination on the first attempt, a notable feat. He will graduate in May, and his adviser is Dr. Paul Mixon. Brian is the son of Emily Flagg of Ripley, Tennessee, and the late Mr. Flagg.

Heather Gillion comes from Cardwell, Missouri, in Dunklin County, and majors in accounting in the College of Business. Among her many academic honors are Dean's List, Chancellor's List, Senior Honor Student Award, National Dean's List, National Scholars Honors Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International Honor Society. As a member of the ASU volleyball team, she was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner's List. She served as coach at ASU Summer Volleyball Camp and was head instructor at camps held at area high schools each summer since her freshman year. She volunteered at the Arkansas Junior Olympics Volleyball Program each year, taught volleyball skills to the YMCA Youth Volleyball Camp, and is an Arkansas Junior Olympic Volleyball coach, practicing twice a week and playing in six major tournaments. She is president of the ASU Accounting Club, and received the 'No Boundaries' academic scholarship, also being named to 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.' She will graduate in May, and her adviser is Dr. Patricia Robertson. Heather is the daughter of Bobby and Jackie Gillion of Cardwell, Missouri.

Kevin 'Broadway' Linker, whose hometown is Jonesboro in Craighead County, majors in political science in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He has been very active with his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, as executive member, intramural chairman, risk manager, and external and internal vice president, winning such awards as the ASU New Greek Man of the Year, Lambda Chi Most Athletic, and the Jim Lundberg Award, presented to the most outstanding new member. More anonymously, for four years he has served the ASU campus as the spirit character "Red" and now "Howl." Along with appearing at athletic functions, campus events, and community activities, Kevin finished several times in the top three nationally in mascot competitions across the country, winning first prize at the Universal Cheer Association Cheer Camp in 2006. He was a Tribal Leader, Admissions Ambassador, and served in several capacities on the Student Activities Board. As a Global Student Leader, he traveled to South America, and has served as Student Government Association Junior Senator. Academically, he has been named to the President's List and Athletic Honor Roll, while working off campus at one job 32 hours a week, at a second job for 12 hours a week, and owning his own business, Broadway Entertainment. He will graduate in May, and his adviser is Dr. David Levenbach.  Additionally, the Selection Committee voted unanimously to add that this award was given with Special Recognition for Kevin's indomitable spirit in overcoming adversity to become one of ASU's most inspiring success stories and for serving as an example to others of how a person can rise above difficulty to achieve outstanding success.

Quan Poole comes from Dumas in Desha County and majors in sports management in the College of Education. Academically, he has been named to the Dean's List, Strong-Turner 3.0 Club, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.' He began serving on the Student Government Association as a freshman, coordinating Operation Move-In, chairing the Legislative Committee, sponsoring an Earth Day celebration that initiated the recycling of plastics on campus, and holding the first 'Campus Hall' forum between ASU students and administrators. As a Tribal Leader/Orientation Leader, he was voted "Always Smiling and Courteous" and as a resident assistant, he received the Hall of Fame RA award. In addition to working an average of 20 hours each week to help support himself financially, he has volunteered with youth programs at Earl Bell Center and the YMCA, and with recent relief efforts in Corning and Clay County, was an Alumni Ambassador and served on the ASU Centennial Celebration Planning Committee. He will graduate in May, and his adviser is Dr. David LaVetter. Quan is the son of Michael and Latonnia Murry of Dumas.

Yana-Janell Scott, from Little Rock in Pulaski County, majors in journalism with an emphasis in public relations in the College of Communications. Serving on the Student Government Association all four years, she drafted or co-wrote resolutions to make the campus safer and more student-friendly, including those for a 24-hour computer lab, reinstating the health clinic pharmacy, and installing speed bumps at student residence areas. She was also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Black Student Association, Future Alumni Network, and Public Relations Student Society of America, and was named to the National Society for Leadership and Success. Her academic achievement won her recognition on the Chancellor's List, Athletic Director's Honor Roll and the Strong-Turner 3.0 Club, and being named to 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.' She was also a member of the A-Team, performing at athletic events, and served on the Student Activities Board as well as the yearbook staff. Her community involvement includes service to the March of Dimes, Race for the Cure, St. Jude's Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She will graduate in May and her adviser is Dr. Joel Gambill. Yana-Janell is the daughter of Herbert and Yana Scott of Little Rock. 

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