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College of Education and Behavioral Science Names Top Grads for 2022-23

04/11/2023

JONESBORO – The College of Education and Behavioral Science at Arkansas State University recognized 34 outstanding graduating students for the 2022-23 academic year during Convocation of Scholars, according to Dr. Mary Jane Bradley, dean of the college.

The Chancellor’s Scholar award for highest overall GPA in the college was presented to Katherine M. Terry of Benton.

Hannah May of Manila, Georgeta McGinty of Jacksonville, Cecilia Doss of Berryville, Zadie Coats of Jonesboro, Katherine Terry of Benton, Katherine Leis of Bella Vista, Sierra Hurley of Jacksonville and Kendall Maxwell of Jonesboro, received the 4.0 Graduate Award for completing their degree programs with a perfect GPA. The Chancellor’s Scholar is the 4.0 graduate with the most credit hours at A-State.

The departmental awards are presented to the graduate in each degree program who has most excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to the department.

Those receiving awards and their respective degree programs, by department:


Helping Our Wolves Learn (H.O.W.L.) Transition

Laina Evans of Cabot, HOWL Program

Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Special Education:

Melony Wellington of Elkhart, Ind., Doctor of Education (EdD), educational leadership;

Peyton Worthington of Swifton, Specialist in Education (EdS), educational leadership;

Hannah Riddle of Rogers, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), special education;

Leah Mullins of Caledonia, Miss., Master of Science in Education (MSE), special education;

Gail Bush of Bentonville, Master of Science in Education (MSE), educational leadership;

Amanda Rayburn of Mountain Home, Master of Science in Education (MSE), gifted, talented and creative;

Elizabeth Rouse of Jonesboro, Master of Science (MS), college student personnel services; and

Olga Pittman of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), special education.


Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences:

Lauren Dentler of Woodbridge, Va., Master of Science (MS), sport administration;

Xiujing Zhao of Fayetteville, Master of Science (MS), exercise science;

Danny McNeal of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), physical education;

Kendra Pascoe of Conway, Bachelor of Science (BS), exercise science; and

Rui Sago of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science (BS), sport management.


Department of Psychology and Counseling:


Kennedy Brookfield of Jackson, Tenn., Specialist in Education (EdS), clinical mental health counseling;

Chloe Brewster of Jonesboro, Specialist in Education (EdS), school psychology;

Robert Orr of Florence, Ore., Master of Science in Education (MSE), school counseling;

Adra Ragen of Beebe, Master of Science (MS), psychological science;

Daisy Ibarra of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science (BS), psychology; and

Savannah Autrey of Bentonville, Bachelor of Arts (BA), psychology.


Department of Teacher Education:

Melanie Duddy of Platte City, Mo., Specialist in Education (EdS), reading;

Kimberly Dickens of Van Buren, Master of Science in Education (MSE), reading;

Brandi Harris of Paragould, Master of Science in Education (MSE), early childhood education;

Mariasia Isabel Ballivian Linale of Springfield, Va., Master of Science (MS), early childhood services;

Matilda Young of Hot Springs, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), elementary education; and

Tiffany Fulcher of Lake City, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), middle-level education.

Convocation of Scholars theme art