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.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, 19 seniors were recognized as Distinguished Scholars:

• Accounting: Andrew Blevins
• American Sign Language – English Interpreting: Maggie Carlson
• Art: Abigail Shattuck
• Biology: Laurel Williams
• Business Administration: Shannon Jones
• Communications: Sophia Hausner
• Criminal Justice: Emily Marsh
• Cyber Security: Simone Morona
• Elementary Education: Lacey Quinn
• Equestrian Studies: Jadyn Vignery
• Equine Administration: Megan Corrigan
• Exercise Science: Adriana Gamon
• Interpretation Studies: Joshua Richards
• Physical Education: Heidi Baranauskas
• Political Legal Studies: Malayne Lednick
• Psychology: Samya Sikand
• Secondary Education: Morgan Collins
• Social Work: Kynsie Engelbrecht
• Sports Management: Haley Baskett