Student Life
A-State Honors Outstanding Graduating Students from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication 2025-26
A-State Honors Outstanding Students from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication
Arkansas State University has announced its outstanding graduating students for the 2025-26 academic year from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication as part of the Convocation of Scholars – an event recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of A-State students.
Recognizing academic effort, creativity and dedication
According to Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication, the college's most outstanding graduating students were honored at Arkansas State University's Convocation of Scholars.
This is an important occasion for A-State to recognize students with outstanding achievements across a wide range of fields: art, communication, languages, public policy, history, journalism, music, sociology, criminology, and theatre.
From the Chancellor's Scholar to outstanding graduates by department
The list of honorees reflects the academic depth and program diversity within the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.
Chancellor's Scholar Award
Kiri McMann of Pocahontas received the Chancellor's Scholar Award for having the highest GPA in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.
4.0 Scholar Award
Kiri McMann, along with nine other students, was recognized with the 4.0 Scholar Award for outstanding academic achievement throughout their studies.
Top Graduating Seniors
Outstanding graduating students were honored by department, from Art + Design and Communication to Music, Theatre and other fields.
The group of students achieving 4.0 Scholar status
In addition to Chancellor's Scholar Kiri McMann, the College of Liberal Arts and Communication also recognized nine other students who received the 4.0 Scholar Award for the 2025-26 academic year.
Kiri McMann
Pocahontas — Chancellor's Scholar Award and 4.0 Scholar Award.
4.0 Scholar Award recipients
Tristan Bates, Cian Deevers, Abigail Goforth, Rocco Hicks, Madison Holloway, Caton Marsh, Michael Moore, Charles Truett, and Miah Wood.
Meaning of the honor
The Chancellor's Scholar is the 4.0 student with the most completed credit hours at A-State in the college, reflecting both academic achievement and perseverance throughout their studies.
Outstanding graduates across many fields of liberal arts and communication
The College of Liberal Arts and Communication honors students from A-State's undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
Art + Design
- Lydia Strickland – BFA, Graphic Design.
- Sharline Vanpelt – BFA, Studio Art.
- Miah Wood – BFA, Art Education.
- Cademon J. Larmoyeux – BS, Digital Technology & Design – Game Design.
Communication
- Zoe Mathes – BS, Strategic Communication.
- Catherine Ford and Raelyn Tinkle – BA, Communication Studies.
- Aubrey DeFries and Brennen Grimes – MA, Communication Studies.
- A number of A-State Online students were honored in Strategic Communication and Communication Studies.
English, Philosophy and World Languages
- Kiri McMann – BA, English.
- Laura Johnson – BSE, English.
- Lillian Glidewell – BA, Philosophy.
- Gabriela Alonso and Shanell Brito – World Languages.
- Taylor Coffel – MA, English.
Government, Law and Policy
- Rocco Hicks – BA, Government, Law and Policy.
- Amy Lanning – MPA, Nonprofit concentration.
- Skylar Vance – MPA, Public Management concentration.
History
- Sloan Sifford – BA, History.
- Jillian Kinder – BSE, Social Science.
- Jayme Rawls and Lucas Timmerman – MA, History.
Media and Journalism
- Jerry Don Burton – BS, Multimedia Journalism.
- Mackenzie Cutler – BS, Creative Media Production.
- Saba Jamshed – MSMC.
- Kevin Spence – MS, Media Management.
Music
- Cara Snelson – BME, Choral.
- Charles David Truett – BME, Instrumental.
- Kiri McMann – Bachelor of Music.
- Victoria Brownhill – Master of Music.
Sociology, Criminology and Theatre
- LeslieJo Sullivan – BA, Criminology.
- Abigail Goforth – BA, Sociology.
- Francisca (Dee) Flax, Selena Hinds, and Judith Bossi – Theatre/Musical Theatre programs.
A multidisciplinary college nurturing creative thinking and communication skills
The College of Liberal Arts and Communication at A-State is where students develop analytical ability, critical thinking, creativity, expression, communication, and social understanding – skills that are essential across many modern career fields.
Honoring outstanding students across many majors reflects the diverse academic environment at A-State, where academic achievement, artistic creativity, research ability, and dedication are all recognized.
Interested in Liberal Arts, Communication, Media, or Design programs at A-State?
The Arkansas State University Recruitment Office in Vietnam helps students explore the right major, admission requirements, tuition, scholarships, and the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
At which event did the College of Liberal Arts and Communication at A-State honor its students?
The College of Liberal Arts and Communication's outstanding graduating students were honored as part of Arkansas State University's Convocation of Scholars.
Who received the College of Liberal Arts and Communication's Chancellor's Scholar Award for the 2025-26 academic year?
Kiri McMann of Pocahontas received the Chancellor's Scholar Award for having the highest GPA in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.
How is the Chancellor's Scholar determined?
According to A-State, the Chancellor's Scholar is the student with a 4.0 GPA who has completed the most credit hours at A-State within the college.
Which fields had students honored?
The fields honored include Art + Design, Communication, English, Philosophy and World Languages, Government, Law and Policy, History, Media and Journalism, Music, Sociology and Criminology, and Theatre.
How can I learn more about programs at A-State?
Students and parents in Vietnam can contact the Arkansas State University Recruitment Office in Vietnam via email at study@astate.edu.vn or request advising at https://www.astate.edu.vn/lien-he/.