Honoring the Top Graduates of 2025 at the A-State College of Nursing and Health Professions

The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University (A-State) proudly recognizes the top graduates of 2025. At the Scholars Recognition Ceremony, the college honored outstanding individuals for their exceptional academic achievements and unwavering dedication.

Highlights:

• Chancellor's Scholar: Catherine E. Couch of Pocahontas was awarded the Chancellor's Scholar award, the highest honor given to the student with the highest GPA and the most completed credit hours.
• 4.0 Scholar Award: 20 other graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA also received the prestigious 4.0 Scholar Award. These students come from a variety of programs, including:
  • 10 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students
  • 4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students
  • 3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy students
  • 2 Doctor of Physical Therapy students
  • Students from the Communication Disorders, Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness, and Athletic Training programs were also honored.

The full list is as follows:

Catherine E. Couch (Pocahontas): Received the Chancellor's Scholar award for the highest GPA and most completed credit hours at A-State, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences in radiation therapy.

20 other students received the 4.0 Scholar Award with a perfect 4.0 GPA, including:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (10 students – Registered Nurse Anesthetists):
  • Chelsea N. Botley (Orange, Texas)
  • Caleb Bradford (Wichita, Kan.)
  • Zachary W. Hobbs (Paragould)
  • Kolton L. Hooks (Rison)
  • Candace M. Hulett (North Little Rock)
  • Dylan W. Hutto (Fairhope, Ala.)
  • Benjamin D. Jordan (Russellville)
  • Nathan A. Kerley (Jonesboro)
  • Catie L. Meskimen (Cave City)
  • Allison R. Sellers (Milan, Tenn.)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4 students):
  • Shea A. Malone (Paragould)
  • Leanne Harris (Paragould)
  • Madison E. Taylor (Grapevine, Ark.)
  • Reika Shimizu (Nagoya City, Japan)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3 students):
  • Madison B. Savage (Mammoth Spring)
  • Ansley N. Simmons (Mena)
  • Madison B. Wood (Paragould)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (2 students):
  • Sydney Lane Glenn (Keiser)
  • Samuel K. Philley (Oak Grove, La.)
• Other programs:
  • Emma Webb (Blytheville) – Communication Disorders program
  • Wyatt L. Reed (Paragould) – Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness program
  • Jasmine Espinoza (Fort Smith) – Master's in Athletic Training program

This event stands as a testament to the academic excellence and dedication of students at the College of Nursing and Health Professions, while affirming Arkansas State University's leading educational quality in the field of health care.