April 10, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development recognized outstanding students during an honors convocation April 7.
The College includes the School of Education, Department of Health and Human Performance, Department of MiIitary Science, Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies and Department of Social Work. The College collectively includes includes 33 degree programs and graduates the highest number of students who become educators and leaders that empower and uplift individuals and communities, said College Dean Dr. Neeru Deep.
School of Education awards were presented by Dr. April Giddens, interim director.
Excellence in Teaching in Undergraduate Education: Corynn LaCaze of Natchitoches and Alaina Norris of Deville
Dr. Marie Shaw Dunn Award in Early Childhood Education: Macy Dowden of Many
Esther Cooley Memorial Award: Taylor Roberson of Natchez
Excellence in Music Education: Molly Laird of Wake Village, Arkansas
Outstanding Senior Award in Child and Family Studies: Samantha Austin of Natchitoches
T.P. Chaplin Award: Lona Aucoin of Deville
Educators Rising Outstanding Service Award: Olivia Horrell of Shreveport
Dill Perseverance Award: Krista Cholvitee of Natchitoches and Latasha Kennedy of Westwego
Excellence in Counseling Award: Christine Ferrell of Natchitoches
Outstanding Master’s Degree Candidate: Beverly Warren of Robeline
Rising Educational Leader Award: Jabain August of Abbeville
Outstanding Research in Education: Martina Malone of Baton Rouge
Excellence in Teaching in Graduate Teacher Education (MAT): Mariah Pellerin of Franklin
Excellence in Teaching in Graduate Teacher Education (PREP): Katelyn Morace of Deville
Outstanding Doctoral Research Award: Larry Arant of Benton
Department of Health and Human Performance awards were presented by Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, department head.
2025 American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Undergraduate Scholar Award: Latyriona Jones of Evergreen
Outstanding Female Athlete in Health and Human Performance: Madison Brown of Natchitoches
Outstanding Male Athlete in Health and Human Performance: Caleb Billiot of Schriever
Outstanding Health and Exercise Science Undergraduate Student: Kaci McDaniel of Frierson
Outstanding Sport and Recreation Management Student: Honor Camus of Baton Rouge
Outstanding Health and Physical Education Student: Lauren Menard of Scott
Outstanding Sport Administration Graduate Student: Kendrioun Boatman of Natchitoches
Outstanding Public Health Graduate Student: Reese Lipoma of Gonzales
Health and Human Performance Graduate Assistant of the Year: Maya Lucas of Natchitoches
2025 American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Master’s Scholar Award: Maya Lucas of Natchitoches
Bill E. Stewart Health and Human Performance Scholarship: Honor Camus of Baton Rouge
Allen R. “Buddy” Bonnette Scholarship: Lauren Menard of Scott
Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship: Lalaina Wood of Oak Ridge and Abigail Coker of Meraux
Cindy Poole Davis Health and Exercise Sciences Scholarship: Kamryn Babineaux of Lafayette
2025 Human Performance Leadership Club (HPLC) Professor of the Year: Dr. Lauren Mitchell, associate professor
Department of Military Science awards were presented by LTC Joshua Drake, department head.
Superior Cadet Decoration Award – MS I: Joao V. Dos Santos of Fort Johnson
Superior Cadet Decoration Award – MS II: Jacob P. Mullican of DeRidder
Superior Cadet Decoration Award – MS III: Layla L. Theriot of Gheens
Superior Cadet Decoration Award – MS IV: Caiden E. Matthews of Shreveport
Department of Psychology awards were presented by Dr. Charles King, interim department head.
Maureen A. McHale Outstanding Junior Award in Psychology: Grace Culpepper of Sulphur
Terry Isbell Outstanding Senior Psychology Major Award: Shae Wetzel of Pitkin
Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in Addiction Studies: Hilary Bennett of Natchitoches
Hurst Moreland Hall Jr., Research Award: Elayna Gardiner of Iowa
Donald O. Games Psi Chi Honor Graduate Award: Emma Gonzales of Bossier city
Robert L. Breckenridge Graduate Student Award: Greere Koehler of Alexandria
Department of Social Work awards were presented by Dr. Susan Campbell, interim department head.
Malcolm C. Braudaway Award: Jana Couvillion of Pineville
Outstanding Social Work Student Award: Briannah Stansberry of Jennings
Social Work Senior Summer 2024 Academic Award: Allie Ainsworth of Boyce
Social Work Senior Fall 2024 Academic Award: Kelly Sax of Eagan, Minnesota
Social Work Senior Spring Academic Award: Briannah Stansberry of Jennings
Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars: Tamera Burney of Benton, Jana Couvillion of Pineville, Ragini Brooke Delasalle of Baton Rouge and Shelby Sutton of West Monroe
Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Faculty and Staff Awards were presented by Dr. Neeru Deep, dean
Distinguished Teaching Awards: Dr. Michelle Brunson, professor of Early Childhood Education, and Dr. Lauren Mitchell, associate professor of Health and Human Performance
Distinguished Scholar Awards: Dr. Sunggun Jeon, assistant professor of Health and Human Performance, and Dr. Laura Beth Norman, assistant professor, Adult Learning and Development
Distinguished Service Awards: Dr. Haley Blount, assistant professor of Health and Human Performance; Dr. Debra Jo Hailey, assistant professor in Child and Family Studies, and Dr. Jennifer Shaw, research associate for Social Work
Distinguished Staff Member Awards: Jennifer L. Cowan, scholarship coordinator for Child and Family Studies; Sid Hall, military affairs coordinator/ROTC program manager, and Helen Tousek, administrative assistant, Department of Psychology
