This newly established BCAS award is the latest initiative designed to foster student retention and celebrate student success. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students who exhibit remarkable commitment and excellence in various aspects of their academic pursuits, in service to others, in campus and community leadership and for dedication to foster inclusion and belonging.

January: Olivia Kurylo

In January, Dean McKinney presented Oliva Kurylo with the College's inaugural "Student of the Month" award at a Buchtelite staff meeting. Olivia, a sophomore majoring in English, joined the paper in August of 2023 as a new reporter and demonstrated exemplary leadership by stepping up to lead The Buchtelite through its winter 2024 print edition when the paper was faced with an unexpected vacancy in the editor-in-chief role.

Read more about this inaugural winner here.

February: Larry White

During a dance workshop, Dean McKinney surprised Larry White with the College ‘s “Student of the Month” award for February. The dean recognized Larry for his excellence in academics, community engagement and leadership in the arts. Larry serves as a BCAS student ambassador and is a prominent figure in the dance program. His influence extends beyond campus, with appearances in UA advertising and on TV's "College Tour." Through participation and shows in the Terpsichore dance club, Larry embodies excellence and community engagement.

March: Nadilee Nottingham

In Dr. Caleb Holyoke's class, Dean McKinney recognized geosciences student Nadilee Nottingham as the recipient of the College’s “Student of the Month” award for March. Nadilee was honored for her leadership in fostering equity and belonging for all UA students who want to explore their passion for geology, earth science and environmental studies. Nominated by Dr. Molly Witter, faculty advisor for the Akron Zips student chapter of the Association for Women Geoscientists, Nottingham has demonstrated exemplary leadership as president of the club. This leadership has led to the club's growth by hosting inclusive activities and inviting guest speakers to prepare students for their future careers.

April: Grace Edwards

In the office of the Department of Political Science, Dean McKinney presented Grace Edwards, a political science major, with the College’s “Student of the Month” award for April. Grace embodies exceptional leadership, community engagement, commitment to inclusion, and academic excellence. She led the way in bringing a student chapter of Ignite to campus that supports women's involvement in politics. She is also VP for the Pre-Law student organization, a student athlete, and actively engages with the community through internships and outreach efforts.

May: Brittany Moore

In her biology class, Dean McKinney presented Brittany Moore with the College’s “Student of the Month” award for May. The dean praised her for her work as an undergraduate researcher through the Tiered Mentoring program in Biology, and as an author on a published research paper. A past winner of several research awards, Brittany is currently the primary data collector for a collaborative research project with a research group at the Cleveland Clinic and will have at least one more publication from these efforts. As part of the Early Assurance Pathways program, she will start medical school at NEOMED.

Congratulations to our students!

Story by: Lisa Craig, BCAS Marketing, lmc91@uakron.edu