At the end of every academic year, William Woods University recognizes a select group of its students with the Distinguished Scholar award. Faculty members designate one graduating senior from each program for the honor. While eligibility requires a minimum 3.4 grade point average, faculty also consider other relevant academic factors in the selection process.

“The Distinguished Scholar is a very prestigious award at William Woods, identifying and honoring the top student in each discipline,” said Dr. Aimee Sapp, University Provost and Dean of the undergraduate college.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, 21 seniors were recognized as Distinguished Scholars:

• Accounting: Samantha Riley, Hermann, Mo.
• American Sign Language: Courtney Lawson, Foristell, Mo.
• Art: Madison Crosswhite, O’Fallon, Mo.
• Art Education: Rosemary Lenz, Prairie Home, Mo.
• Biology: Alexandra Gueck, Defiance, Mo.
• Business Administration: Andrew Fyffe, O’Fallon, Mo.
• Cyber Security: Anthony Dickey, Dixon, Mo.
• Elementary Education: Breanna Aldridge, Columbia, Mo.
• Equestrian Science: Yari Rivera Nunez, St. Charles, Mo.
• Equine Administration: Hannah Kuehl, Germantown, Wis.
• Equine General Studies: Molly O’Connell, Overland Park, Kan.
• English: Alex Keller, Antioch, Ill.
• English Education: Breanna Aldridge, Columbia, Mo.
• Exercise Science: Paige Hawkins, Macon, Mo.
• Interpretation Studies in ASL-English: Katy Brumbaugh, St. Louis, Mo.
• Management and Leadership: Caecey Killian, Huntsville, Mo.
• Political/Legal Studies: Nathan Maulding, Farmington, Mo.
• Psychology: Hanna Knipp, Auxvasse, Mo.
• Social Work: Baylee Eckles, Columbia, Mo.
• Secondary Education (English): Abigail Bennett, Jefferson City, Mo.
• Workforce Development: Matthew Wolarik, North Hills, Calif.