PHOTOS: CHS celebrates student achievement at 2026 awards ceremony
May 4, 2026
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