By Katrina Dix
Every semester, the Alumni Association recognizes the undergraduate student in each college graduating with the highest academic average who will have completed at least 60 hours at the University. One of these students will be named the overall Outstanding Scholar, the Alumni Association’s highest honor, for "a student who exemplifies academic excellence as well as overall achievement during his or her time here at the University." The announcement will be made at Senior Brunch on Friday, before Commencement.
This year’s Outstanding College Scholars are:
- Maeren Hill – College of Sciences
- Harleigh Hyatt – Ellmer College of Health Sciences
- Adam Johnson – School of Cybersecurity
- Taylor Johnson-Quintard – College of Arts & Letters
- James Malove – Batten College of Engineering and Technology
- Lauren-Elise Padilla – Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
- Claire Shaw – Ellmer School of Nursing
- Ryan Wilkinson – Strome College of Business
Meet the scholars:
Maeren Hill, College of Sciences
Major: Biomedical Sciences
About Maeren: Hill was impressed by her professors’ passion for their work and the support they offered her, leading her to an Undergraduate Research and Creativity grant to pursue her interests. After graduation, she plans to apply to medical school.Inspirational faculty member: Bala Ramjee, Ph.D. “Dr. Ramjee inspired me to pursue undergraduate research during my time at ODU and was a great research mentor.”
Harleigh Hyatt, Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Major: Health Services Administration, with a minor in Management
About Harleigh: As an online student, she could have felt isolated, but was able to connect with students who shared her major. This built her confidence and helped her succeed. After graduation, she plans to seek a full-time human resources role, travel and save money to purchase her first home. She attended Menchville High School in Newport News.
Inspirational faculty member: Ashlee Steeley. “She was great at tending to my needs throughout my internship process and she was easily approachable regarding any questions I had. It also felt like she cared for my success within the program and internship course,” Hyatt said.
Adam Johnson, School of Cybersecurity
Major: Cybersecurity
About Adam: As an online student, Johnson didn’t get much face time with his peers – which is one reason a Spanish class stood out as a favorite experience at the University when it gave him the chance to converse. After graduation, Johnson plans to seek employment in Virginia while he pursues several certifications. He attended Fort Defiance High School in Augusta County.
Inspirational faculty member: Nicole R. Donoghue, Ph.D. “Her Spanish class was really the only time I conversed with teachers or other students verbally. The class structure helped promote a better understanding of Spanish and made it easier to learn.”
Taylor Johnson-Quintard, College of Arts & letters
Major: International Studies, with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies
About Taylor: Participating in the Political Science/International Studies Impact Learning Community during her first semester stands out to Johnson-Quintard as a highlight of her college career. While making the Dean’s List every semester, she also worked part-time for Monarch Dining throughout her undergraduate studies. Her respect and appreciation for her professors contributed to her decision to apply to graduate programs at Old Dominion through the Direct Admissions program, and she received multiple offers, accepting one for a Master’s in Public Administration. She also plans to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Virginia Beach. She attended Woodgrove High School.
Inspirational faculty member: Tanisha Bradley, Francis Adams, Ph.D., and Christer Persson, Ph.D. “Ms. Bradley was my initial advisor and taught my Intro to A&L class as part of an ILC. Then and now, she has always been wonderfully supportive and unendingly encouraging, and I hope to maintain contact with her,” Johnson-Quintard said. She added that Dr. Adams’ Socratic style of teaching made his classes enjoyable and interactive, and Dr. Persson’s commitment to education inspired hard work.
James Malove, Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Major: Electrical Engineering Technology, with a minor in Computer Science
About James: As a full-time federal employee at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, while completing his degree, Malove has been involved in around 50 projects and received awards for three of them. He is also a patent holder for the Navy. In the future, he intends to pursue a graduate degree. He attended Massaponax High School in Spotsylvania County.
Inspirational faculty member: Steve Hsiung, Ph.D. “He is an expert in the field of microcontrollers, which are one of my primary interests of study. His courses were always difficult but incredibly rewarding, and I learned so much practical knowledge which I already use regularly in my job and will continue building upon for the rest of my career,” Malove said.
Lauren-Elise Padilla, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
Major: Early Childhood Education with dual Virginia teacher licensure in Dance Arts
About Lauren-Elise: While completing her studies, she developed a dance-integrated enrichment program curriculum for Ukrainian refugee children, as well as a dance-integrated curriculum for Ballet Virginia that aligns ballet instruction with Virginia Standards of Learning in literacy and math. She also performed as a soloist in ballet productions. She is actively involved in the Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies, served as president of the Darden College Student Ambassadors Program and has received several academic awards, including the Broderick Honors Opportunity Award. She is currently a full-time kindergarten teacher at Poquoson Primary School. She attended Grassfield High School in Chesapeake and the Governor’s School for the Arts as a violin performance major.
Inspirational faculty member: Dean Tammi Dice, Ph.D. “Her investment of time, energy and unwavering support is nothing short of inspiring. Dean Dice’s leadership is a model of the profound impact that educators and mentors can have on their communities. Her example motivates me to strive toward being just as influential and supportive in my future endeavors,” Padilla said.
Claire Shaw, Ellmer School of Nursing
Major: Nursing
About Claire: Earlier this year, she began volunteering with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team Member. She plans to work in a Level 1 trauma center and credits her time at the University with building her confidence and leadership skills. Claire attended Grayson County High School.
Inspirational faculty member: Luis Becerra, MSN and Suzanne Van Orden, MSN. “They both directed me to success and ensured I did not overthink my assignments and work. They were very knowledgeable and encouraging during my time here,” Shaw said.
Ryan Wilkinson, Strome College of Business
Major: Accounting and Computer Science
About Ryan: His favorite place on campus is the Society of Physics Students lounge, where he often did homework, connected with old friends and met new ones. He was also involved with the Rotaract Club, Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi, in which he served as treasurer. After graduation, he plans to start with KPMG’s Technology Assurance department in Milwaukee, Wis., as an associate auditor and pursue CPA licensure. He attended Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach.
Inspirational faculty member: Frank Holman. “I've seen Professor Holman spend countless hours and long nights helping his students succeed, whether that be in the classroom, during office hours, at Beta Alpha Psi and ODU School of Accountancy events, or writing recommendation letters,” Wilkinson said. “He recently joined and served as an advisor to Beta Alpha Psi, attending meetings and connecting members with local firms. Alongside Professor Paige O'Shaughnessy, he also developed the Accounting Readiness Workshop, a unique opportunity for students to network with local firms and prepare for the new semester with a practice set they created. His quirky sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his students was evident throughout my undergraduate career, and I am grateful to have him as a mentor.”