Friday, April 27th, the School of Human Environmental Sciences recognized twelve outstanding students through the presentation of the 2012 Student of Excellence and Student of Distinction Awards. The awards program was established in 2006. Faculty from each department nominate exceptional students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Outstanding undergraduates are nominated based on academic excellence, leadership, and service in the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Exceptional graduate students are nominated based on their research or creative works, leadership and service in the School. Undergraduate Student of Excellence honorees are selected for each degree program. Graduate Student of Excellence honorees are selected at each degree level within each department. Two overall Student of Distinction honors are presented – one for an undergraduate student and one for a graduate student.
The 2012 Student of Excellence recipients were:
- Amy Leavell, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Megan Day, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Family Sciences
- Christina Labude, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Hospitality Management and Tourism
- Kelly Rafferty, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
- Amy Camensich, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Dietetics
- Jentry Stephens, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Human Nutrition
- Erica Nordquist, Master’s Student of Excellence for the Department of Family Sciences
- Nichole Huff, Doctoral Student of Excellence for the Department of Family Sciences
- Chelsea Blackwell, Graduate Student of Excellence for the Department of Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
- Lindsey Mayes, Master’s Student of Excellence for the Department of Nutrition and Food Science
Meredith Cinnamon was named the 2012 Undergraduate Student of Distinction. A double-major in family and consumer sciences education and merchandising, apparel and textiles, Meredith will be graduating in May with a dual degree. She is the daughter of Dale and Joan Cinnamon of Salvisa, Kentucky. As a student at UK, Meredith has served four years as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture. She served as president, vice president and secretary for the Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles Club; and president and secretary of the Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences. Meredith maintained an outstanding academic standing and was recently recognized by the College of Agriculture Student Council as Student of Excellence.
Claire Kimberly was recognized as the 2012 Graduate Student of Distinction. Claire recently completed her doctoral degree in family sciences. Her dissertation research investigated biopsychosocial influences on marital conflict. Claire accomplished a strong record of productivity as a graduate student. She co-authored five peer-reviewed journal articles, a book chapter, a book review, and twelve Cooperative Extension publications in addition to 10 conference presentations. While pursuing her doctoral degree, she worked as a teaching assistant and instructor in the Department of Family Sciences and completed UK’s Preparing Future Faculty program. Claire was recognized as an honor student by the National Council on Family Relations.
In addition to the student of excellence and student of distinction recipients, the School of Human Environmental Sciences honored nine additional students.
- Mollie Dawahare, Blake Dickens and Brett Dickens received the Lily S. Chow Award of Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding juniors in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and is based upon academic achievement, campus involvement and professional potential. Mollie is a junior in dietetics, and is active with Delta Gamma Sorority, Phi Upsilon Omicron, and the Student Dietetics Association. Blake is a junior in human nutrition. He has been elected to serve as president of the UK Pre-Dental Society for 2012-13. Brett is also a junior in human nutrition. He is currently serving as president of the UK Pre-Med Activities Council.
- Six students were recognized for honors received from the College of Agriculture
- Kayla Brackman, Freshmen Student of Excellence
- Meredith Gross, Sophomore Student of Excellence
- Madison Stephens, Junior Student of Excellence
- Lauren Brinkman, Meredith Cinnamon and Katelyn Hendricks – Senior Students of Excellence
Congratulations to all our outstanding students!