Contact: Maridith Geuder
The University Honors Program at Mississippi State is recognizing student members at every class level, as well as one university faculty member, for outstanding accomplishments.
UHP provides academically talented students with focused personalized academic experiences in all fields of study. Founded in 1968 and a charter member of the Southern Regional Honors Council, the state's largest university-based honors program currently enrolls more than 1,000 participants.
"These students are among some of the best and brightest studying at Mississippi State and often are leaders in a variety of campus organizations," said Jack H. White, UHP director and director of the university's distinguished scholarship program.
Also receiving special recognition this year is political science assistant professor Hannah Britton, who was named the 2003 Outstanding Honors Faculty Member. Now in her third year on the Starkville campus, Britton is a specialist in the politics of Africa and international gender issues. She directs the university's nationally recognized Mississippi Model Security Council.
The honored UHP members include (by hometown):
CLINTON--Senior political science major Smith Lilley, Outstanding Honors Student Award. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lilley and an Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholar, he is the founder and president of the MSU Speech and Debate Association. The Clinton High School graduate maintains a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn.--Matthew J. Morris, Outstanding Honors Senior. A computer science and mathematics double major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Les Morris, he is a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon and Kappa Mu Epsilon honor societies in computer science and mathematics, respectively. Morris is a President's List scholar and participant in the MSU cooperative education program, which allows students to alternate academic coursework with employment. The Collierville High School graduate recently was selected to represent Mississippi State in an annual competition sponsored by the Mississippi/Louisiana section of the Mathematical Association of America.
ELLISVILLE--Junior Eric B. Shows, Outstanding Service Award. A biochemistry major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Shows, he is a President's Scholar, member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies. The South Jones High School graduate serves as Honors Council vice chair for administration and has worked as a conversation partner in MSU's English as a Second Language Center.
GULFPORT--James Wesley "Wes" Barnett, Outstanding Honors Freshman. A mechanical engineering major, he is publicity officer for the student American Society of Mechanical Engineers chapter and a member of the Campus Crusade for Christ and Greek Council for Christ. Barnett is a Gulfport High School graduate and the son of James Barnett of Gulfport and Janette Howard of Biloxi.
--Peyton A. Hunter, Outstanding Honors Sophomore. The daughter of Steve Hunter and Debbie Hunter, she is a communication/public relations major who maintains a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. The Gulfport High School graduate also is seeking a minor in foreign languages/French.
KNOXVILLE, Ala.--Senior Holli C. Hitt, Outstanding Service Award. A communication major and Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholar, she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hitt. She also is a President's List scholar and a member of the MSU Roadrunners, the school's highly selective student recruitment group. Her honor societies include Mortar Board, Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key, among others. The Tuscaloosa County High School graduate previously was honored as Outstanding University Honors Program Sophomore.
MADISON--Kellye D. Branch, Outstanding Honors Senior. A biological engineering major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Branch, she has been active in MSU's Student Association, serving on the community service and athletic support committees. The Madison Central High School graduate is a member of the campus chapter of the Institute for Biological Engineers, as well as Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Beta Phi and Alpha Epsilon Delta honor societies.
RIPLEY--Kristy A. Graham, Outstanding Honors Junior. The political science major and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Graham previously was honored as the Outstanding Honors Freshman. In addition to being active in MSU's Mississippi Model Security Council, the Ripley High School graduate is a member of the Famous Maroon Band's Color Guard and vice president for activities at her campus residence hall.