CHS celebrates student achievement at 2026 awards ceremony

Apr 27, 2026

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

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.

Karen Badger, PhD, MSW and vice dean of the College of Health Sciences, welcomed students, families, faculty, staff and supporters, calling the event a celebration of both achievement and community.

“Today, we come together to celebrate what our students accomplish and the community that helps make that possible,” Badger said. “As we look around this room, we see the future of the health professions — individuals who will lead, care for others, educate and advance knowledge.”

Badger praised students for their resilience and dedication, saying they have helped shape the college while setting a high standard for success.

“Students, today is about celebrating you and the impact you have made,” she said.

Among the college’s top honors, Gracee Spears, a Communication Sciences and Disorders student, and Olivia Goerdt, a Physician Assistant Studies student, received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service.

Spears was recognized for leadership in undergraduate research, mentorship in the PathFinders program and service through organizations including the Ronald McDonald House and Letters of Hope.

Goerdt was honored for advocacy work with the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants, leadership within her program and volunteer efforts supporting food access and community health initiatives.

The Marie C. Vittetoe Award for Excellence in Service to the Community was presented to Josie Bailey, a Clinical Leadership and Management student, for her leadership with DanceBlue and service with the American Heart Association.

Sophia Drancik, a Communication Sciences and Disorders student, received the Maurice A. Clay Award for exceptional extracurricular leadership, service to the college and strong academic performance.

The ceremony also recognized students across each academic program for scholarship, perseverance, research and professional excellence.

Closing the ceremony, Badger congratulated all honorees and encouraged students as they prepare for graduation and careers in health care.

“You are the pride of this College,” she said. “We look forward to seeing what the future holds for each one of you.”

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