MSU Honors Program announces top students, faculty

Contact: Aga Haupt

A faculty member and nearly a dozen Mississippi State students are being recognized by the University Honors Program for outstanding achievements during the 2001-02 school year.

A charter member of the Southern Regional Honors Council, the 32-year-old program provides personalized academic experiences for top students in all fields of study. Nearly 1,000 MSU students currently participate.

Marion B. "Mike" Couvillion, who recently retired as an associate professor in the communication department, is this year's selection for the Outstanding Honors Faculty Member Award.

The Outstanding Honors Student and Outstanding Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman awards were presented on the basis of grade-point averages, number of honors classes taken, peer recommendations, and other achievements, said honors program director Jack H. White. "The Outstanding Honors Student Award recognizes the young man or woman who truly stands out among the program's membership," he added.

White said the Outstanding Service Awards recognize contributions to the organization, including recruitment, administrative assistance and participation on the Honors Council, a 17-member elected body that serves as the program's governing board.

Students receiving honors for 2001-02 included (by hometown):

ATOKA, Tenn.--Lauren A. King, a graduate student in accounting, who received an Outstanding Service Award. She is the daughter of Sandra Clowes and Thomas King of Dyersburg, Tenn.

CALEDONIA--English major Brandon T. Morris, who received the Outstanding Freshman award. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morris.

CLINTON--Senior accounting major Jacob S. Jernigan, who received an Outstanding Service Award. He is the son of Candace Owens of Clinton and Jackson Jernigan of Destin, Fla.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn.--Art major Lauren J. McClure, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry McClure, who received the Outstanding Senior Award.

ELLISVILLE--Biochemistry major Eric B. Shows, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Shows, who received the Outstanding Sophomore Award.

FRANKLIN, Tenn.--Senior biochemistry major Marc A. Seitz, who received the Outstanding Honors Student Award. He is a Barry Goldwater National Scholar and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Seitz.

HATTIESBURG--Senior history major Jennifer B. Kimble, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Kimble, who received an Outstanding Service Award.

STARKVILLE--Chemistry major Kristen E. Chambers, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Chambers, who received the Outstanding Junior Award, and physics major Davis Herring, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Herring, who received the Outstanding Senior Award.

WALNUT--Junior chemistry/pre-pharmacy major Kevin S. Winter, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Winter who received an Outstanding Service Award.