PHOTOS: CHS celebrates student achievement at 2026 awards ceremony

The College of Health Sciences recognized outstanding students for academic excellence, leadership, research and service during its 2026 Student Awards ceremony last week, honoring undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students from across the college’s programs.

2026 College of Health Sciences Student Award Winners

College Awards

• Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service: Gracee Spears 
• Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service: Olivia Goerdt 
• Marie C. Vittetoe Award for Excellence in Service to the Community: Josie Bailey 
• Maurice A. Clay Award: Sophia Drancik 
• CHS Ambassador of the Year: Addie Fitzstephens 
• CHS Peer Mentor of the Year: Gracee Spears 

Clinical Leadership and Management

• Academic Excellence Award: Rebecca Mitchell 
• Perseverance and Exceptional Commitment to Learning Award: Mallory Belden 

Human Health Sciences

• Academic Excellence Award: Jasmine Ngo 
• Research & Scholarship Award: Katie Neglia 

Medical Laboratory Science

• Deborah O’Bryan Crowe Award: Jared Miller 

Athletic Training

• Outstanding Graduate Student in Athletic Training: Carley Cullop 
• Outstanding Graduate Student in Athletic Training: Megan Losey 

Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Lily Carpenter 
• Scarlett Parsley-Hooker Award: Jaclyn Meredith 

Physician Assistant Studies

• First Physician Assistant Studies Award (Morehead campus): Kristen Boyken 
• Eileen Van Dyke Rural Service Award: Ashley Smith 
• Second Physician Assistant Studies Award (Lexington campus): Allie Houk 

Physical Therapy

• Outstanding Student Award (Hazard campus): Aaron Smith 
• Outstanding Student Award (Lexington campus): Joshua Cain 
• Tassa Jones Wigginton Perseverance Award: Alison Johnson 

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Ph.D. Program

• Robinson Graduate Award for Research Creativity: Dr. Garry Dredge