Story and photos by Logan Jackson
Multiple students pursuing the Honors Certificate were recognized for their outstanding achievements over the past academic year during the recent Honors College Spring Awards ceremony. The annual event features multiple scholarships and awards for Tigers across campus. The Honors College also gave an award to an outstanding faculty member, Carolyn Orbann, and two exceptional campus partners, Darren Green and Sarah Humfeld.
The celebration was held on Tuesday, April 21, at the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Outstanding Faculty Award
Each year, the Honors College recognizes faculty who have made a substantial and lasting contribution to the academic and intellectual lives of our students. Nominees are solicited from students and other faculty and chosen by a selection committee based on the criteria of who best represents the mission and values of the Honors College through their teaching, outreach, collaboration and engagement.
- Carolyn Orbann – teaching professor and faculty fellow for undergraduate research in the College of Health Sciences
Orbann’s research interests focus on ways that cultural behaviors influence the spread of infectious disease in human populations. She has been active in the Honors College over the years, including teaching an Honors section of her “Health Care in the United States” course. Orbann has also designed two Honors College Tutorials: “Remembering the ‘Forgotten Pandemic’: Researching the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Missouri” and “Life and Death in 20th Century Missouri.” She has also served on the Honors College Curriculum Committee and regularly attends Honors commencement ceremonies, where she helps recognize graduates by reading their names as they cross the stage.
Here is what a current Mizzou student said about Orbann:
“Dr. Orbann is exactly the kind of professor I was expecting out of my college experience, one who engages with her students’ interests and opens up the conversation to topics and thoughts one may never have consider before. By keeping an open dialogue rather than lecturing at her students, she creates a truly engaging environment. She is nothing short of incredible and has served as the biggest inspiration during my time at Mizzou.”
Outstanding Campus Partner Award
The Outstanding Campus Partner Award is given to a staff member who supports the Honors College at a high level. Their passion and dedication to aiding the college is felt across our many programs and offerings.
- Darren Green – CRM program manager in the Office of Admissions
Green helps oversee Slate, the university’s recruitment and application platform. Green supports Honors College decisions tied to recruitment, advancement and enrollment. He played a vital role during the Stamps Scholarship interview weekend earlier this year and is always enthusiastic about offering support.
- Sarah Humfeld – assistant director of the Office of Undergraduate Research
Humfeld is a valued partner for many Honors College programs, including the MedOpp Advising Office and the Office of Global and National Fellowships. She integrates our work into STAR programming, serves as a primary NSF GRFP coach and helps coordinate various outreach opportunities.
Outstanding Research Mentor Award
The Outstanding Research Mentor Award is given to a faculty member who supports Honors College student researchers at a high level. Their passion and dedication to aiding our students on their research journeys is felt across our college and the Mizzou campus.
- Nicole Campione-Barr – professor of psychological sciences
Campione-Barr directs the Family Relationships and Adolescent Development Laboratory where research is conducted on parent-adolescent and adolescent-sibling relationships. A longtime ASH Scholarship team mentor, she has mentored numerous undergraduate student research projects, written letters of support for countless fellowship applicants and guided students through competitive award processes. Known for her collaborative spirit, Campione-Barr is always willing to offer guidance and help colleagues navigate challenges.
Outstanding Senior Award
- Nora Pryor – chemistry, romance languages (French)
Excellence in Honors Scholarship (Junior)
- Iliana Farrell – constitutional democracy, economics, history
- Austin Lee – constitutional democracy, economics, political science
- Riley Palshaw – journalism
- Bhushan Sreekrishnavilas – computer science
Excellence in Honors Scholarship (Sophomore)
- Sarah Beck – elementary education, English
- Grace Eckart – nutrition and exercise physiology
- Alex Gribb – constitutional democracy, journalism
- Jenna Reaume – business administration, romance languages (Spanish)
Excellence in Honors Scholarship (Freshman)
- Rose Bestgen – biological sciences
- Owen Masters – political science
- Bryce Rudolph – business administration
- Sophia Webb – political science
Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards
- Simone Bender – journalism
- Avie Freeman – art history, history
- Bella Hall – biological sciences
- Addy Thome – constitutional democracy, political science
- Liam Townes – chemical engineering
- Kate Waller – international studies, journalism
Charles M. Hudson Scholarship
Originally established in 1984 and endowed in 1992 by Mrs. Clara M. Hudson, in honor of her husband Charles, the founder of the Humanities Sequence, the Charles M. Hudson Scholarships are given each year to students who have completed at least two semesters in the Humanities Sequence, and who have — or intend to — complete the four-course sequence. Students are nominated by faculty and considered on the basis of their written work over multiple semesters.
- Alice Briggs – constitutional democracy, international studies, romance languages (Spanish)
- Taylor Kelley – English
- Jane Meyer – English
Harry J. and Richard Hocks Endowed Fellowship
Established in 1993, the Harry J. and Richard Hocks Scholarship in the Humanities was created by Dr. Richard Hocks, a 20-plus year veteran of the Sequence, in memory of his father, Harry J. Hocks. It is awarded for outstanding performance in the Humanities Sequence, regardless of financial need.
- Isaiah Pinzino – journalism
Elaine Hocks Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Hocks earned both her master’s degree and Ph.D. from MU. In addition to teaching in the Honors Humanities Sequence, she served as the Director of the Writing Center for 30 years. Thanks to the continual support from the Hocks family, we have the joy of awarding three currently enrolled MU students who are also tutors at the Writing Center. These awards are divided into three facets of the overall work of writing tutoring.
- Kate Lopez – journalism (for public relations)
- Allison Morris – biochemistry (for synchronous tutoring)
- Esther Boyd – communication, English (for online tutoring)
John Kuhlman Scholarship
Dr. John Kuhlman was a long-time professor of economics at Mizzou, especially known for teaching the Honors section of the “Economics 51” course and advising Honors students. The award, established by friends and colleagues of Kuhlman, has been in existence since 1986 and comes to the Honors College for the first time in 2025. It is intended for upper-class students co-enrolled in the College of Arts and Science and the Honors College and have a record of extracurricular contribution to the welfare of the College of Arts and Science.
- Alice Briggs – constitutional democracy, international studies, romance languages (Spanish)
- Harvey Pollock – constitutional democracy, history
Hayden Scholarship
The Hayden Scholarship was established in 2006 through a gift to MU by Mrs. Anne Hayden, now of Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English, with honors, in 1969. During her 30-year career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City, Hayden became well known and respected in human resources management. In 1996, Hayden received the highest human resources honor when she was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources. She currently serves as the secretary/treasurer of the National Academy’s Foundation and is active in other Atlanta service organizations. Each year the Hayden Scholarship is bestowed on an Arts and Science/Honors College students based on demonstrated excellence in scholarship and engagement with the Honors College’s programming.
- Nourhan Balboula – biological sciences
- Kampbel James – constitutional democracy, history
- Emma Ochse – food science and nutrition
Senator Wayne Goode Scholarship
Senator Wayne Goode served 42 years in the Missouri state legislature, including 21 years in the senate, where he spent his time advocating for education and environmental issues. Goode also served seven years on Mizzou’s Board of Curators, passing legislation necessary to create the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Before his passing, the 1960 Mizzou graduate, left this scholarship gift to the Honors College to make an impact on his home state and alma mater. Students are selected for this award based on their involvement in undergraduate research through the Honors College.
- Zach Alexander – biomedical engineering
- Cole Brodeur – biochemistry
- Evan Cooney – computer science
- Ava Kemper – plant sciences
W. Alton Jones Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1964, when the college was just 6 years old, through an original gift from the W. Alton Jones Foundation, this award, based on academic achievement, is given to a College of Arts and Science freshman or sophomore.
- Janelle Godwyll – biological sciences
- Willis Lehman – constitutional democracy, history, philosophy
- Lillian Vish – chemistry, romance languages (Spanish)
- Ava Waggoner – psychological sciences