For decades, Maryville College has celebrated its students’ remarkable academic and leadership accomplishments in ceremonies held at the end of the year, where awards are presented to individuals based on specific criteria. Below are the names and descriptions of awards presented to current Maryville College students.
Achievement Awards in Academic Fields:
Core Curriculum:
Glenn Hewitt Award in Ethics – Given to the student demonstrating the most outstanding work in Ethics 490. Named in honor of former assistant professor of religion and philosophy, Glenn Hewitt, who taught at the College from 1988-1997.
Dr. Dean A. Boldon Liberal Arts Core Award – formerly known as the Liberal Arts Award, is given to the graduating senior who has earned the highest-grade point average in all core courses taken at Maryville College. This award is named in honor of Dr. Dean A. Boldon, a sociologist who joined the faculty in 1979 and served as Dean of the Faculty and Chief Academic Officer from 1986-1998. This award is generously supported by a gift from Margaret (Peggy) and John Cowan.
Behavioral Sciences:
American Sign Language Outstanding Senior Award – American Sign Language Outstanding Senior Award is awarded to a senior ASL major who has demonstrated outstanding performance and scholarship.
David H. Briggs Award – The David H. Briggs Award honors Professor Briggs, MC Class of 1919, and then professor of psychology and chair of the department from 1936 to 1966. The Briggs Award recognizes the senior Psychology major with the best academic performance in psychology as judged by classroom performance, overall scholarship, and grade point average.
Counseling Psychology Award – The Counseling and Developmental Psychology Awards acknowledge two senior counseling and developmental psychology majors that have outstanding performance in their major and field.
Developmental Psychology Award – goes to senior developmental psychology majors who have achieved outstanding academic performance in the major and within their field.
Irma Young Outstanding Senior Award in Interpreting – The Irma Young Outstanding Senior Award in Interpreting honors Mrs. Young, the creator of the MC ASL Interpreting major in 1974, and is awarded to the student who has shown exemplary potential for the interpreting profession.
Lori A. Schmied Neuroscience Award – The Lori A. Schmied Neuroscience Award is named in honor of Dr. Lori Schmied, founding coordinator of the neuroscience major who retired in 2022 after 33 years of service. Awarded to a senior neuroscience major with the best academic performance in neuroscience.
Education:
Outstanding Preservice Teacher – Elementary
Outstanding Preservice Teacher – Secondary
Outstanding Preservice Teacher – P/K-12 – The Outstanding Elementary, Secondary, and P/K-12 Preservice Teacher Awards are presented to graduating preservice teachers who best exemplify the knowledge, skills, and contributions of a professional educator in elementary, secondary, and P/K-12 education. (description is for all three awards together)
Kyle & Roberta Myres Petree Endowed Award – The Kyle and Roberta Myers Petree Endowed Award is given to an outstanding student majoring in Business or Education and endowed by MC alumni the Petrees, who have devoted their professional lives to service in Blount County.
Fine Arts:
Arrowmont School of Art and Crafts Scholarships – The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts scholarships are awarded yearly to two junior or senior students majoring in art or design, and cover tuition, room and board, and art supplies for a intensive workshop at that prestigious school in Gatlinburg. The scholarships are co-funded by the College and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
Barraclough Choir Award – The Barraclough Choir Award is named for Henry Barraclough who was the pianist for the February Meetings from 1949 to 1960. It is given to a senior who has been a Maryville College Choir member for at least two years and has shown exemplary service and achievement to the choir and classroom.
Clark Family Prize – The Clark Family Prize is awarded to rising juniors and senior in art who have showed outstanding academic and artistic achievement and was established by MC alum and founder of the Graphic Chemical and Ink Company, Vernon Clark.
Evelyn Seedorf Prize in Dramatic Arts – The Evelyn Seedorf Prize in Dramatic Arts was established in memory of Evelyn Seedorf Coope, Class of 1930. The prize is presented to the most deserving student majoring in theatre.
Outstanding Senior Design Student Award – The Outstanding Senior Design Student Award is presented to the graduating senior Design major who has demonstrated the most outstanding achievement in the major.
Outstanding Senior Theatre Student Award – The Outstanding Senior Theatre Student Award is presented to the graduating senior Theatre major who has demonstrated the most outstanding achievement in the major.
Sarah Hardrath Kramer Art History Award – The Sarah Hardrath Kramer Art History Award was established by the division in memory of Sarah Hardrath Kramer, a former adjunct professor of art history at the College. The award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the subject.
The Bates Forensics/Drama Award – The Bates Forensic Drama Award was established in 1917 by the Rev. William H. Bates and is presented to the most outstanding student in drama.
Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies:
Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies Outstanding Junior Award – The award goes to a rising senior in Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies who has at least a 3.0 GPA and has exhibited leadership in campus and departmental activities and in professional organizations.
Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies Outstanding Senior Award – The Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies Outstanding Senior Award is given to a graduating senior in Health Sciences & Outdoor Studies who has at least a 3.5 GPA, serves as role model in the classroom and community and is involved in professional organizations.
Humanities:
Frank A. Kramer Student Award – The Frank A. Kramer Student Award remembers Mr. Kramer from the class of 1947, and is given to a History major who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and exceptional service to the college and community.
Otto P. Pflanze Prize for Excellence in History – The Otto P. Pflanze Prize for Excellence in History is named for Otto Paul Pflanze, a historian from the MC class of 1940 whose biography of Otto Von Bismarck is considered a definitive classic on the subject. The award is presented to an outstanding senior in history.
T.T. Alexander Award – The T.T. Alexander Award, named for Dr. Thomas Theron Alexander, an 1873 graduate of MC, is given to the student with the best paper on a subject relating to the intersection of philosophical or theological inquiry and social, political, or economic issues.
Verton M. Queener Award in History – The Verton M. Queener Award for History remembers Dr. Queener, class of 1924, who served as professor of history from 1927 t0 1958. The award is presented to an outstanding junior student in the field of American and English History.
Languages & Literature:
Alexander English Prize – The Alexander English Prize is given to the senior student who achieved the best academic record in the study of English. The award is named for Jane Bancroft Smith Alexander who taught Latin and Modern Languages at MC in the 1880s and Literature until retiring in 1934.
Charlotta Cook Hensley Memorial Award – The Charlotta Cook Hensley Memorial Award was established in 1997 in memory of Highland Echo editor, Charlotta Cook Hensley, and is awarded to a sophomore or junior in Writing Communication or English that has shown academic prowess and significant involvement in the Highland Echo student newspaper.
Edwin R. Hunter Award for Excellence in Research in English or American Lit – Named for a legendary English professor and dean of the College and given each year to the senior judged to have produced the most outstanding Senior Study in the two award fields.
Impressions- Best Art or Photography, Best Poetry, Best Prose – Impressions, the campus literary magazine, accepts submissions from students, faculty and staff in the areas of Poetry, Prose, Art and Photography. Each spring, several works of art are selected for publication. Students are recognized for their contribution to the magazine in those three categories.
Outstanding Achievement Awards in Foreign Language – The Outstanding Achievement Awards in Foreign Language recognize superior work on the first-year level in the modern and classical languages, French, Italian, Latin, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Ruth Lloyd Kramer Student Award – The Ruth Lloyd Kramer Student Award was established by Frank Kramer, MC class of 1947 in memory of his wife, Ruth, daughter of MC’s sixth president, Dr. Ralph Lloyd. The award is given to a junior English major who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and exceptional service to the college and community.
Mathematics & Computer Science:
George A Knapp Mathematics Award – The George A. Knapp Mathematics Award is given to the most outstanding junior or senior majoring in mathematics in memory of Dr. George Knapp, Professor of math and physics at Maryville College from 1914 to 1938.
Jerry Pietenpol Computer Science Award – The Jerry L. Pietenpol Computer Science Award is given to the most outstanding junior or senior majoring in Computer Science, remembering Dr. Pietenpol, Professor of Math and Computer Science from 1990-2000.
John Nichols Statistics Award – Named in honor of former statistics professor and MC Alum, Dr. John Nichols, the John Nichols Statistics Award is given to the most outstanding student in the advanced study of statistics.
Russel N. & Frances Lane Edwards & Troy Bell Lane Waggoner Award – The Russell N. and Frances Lane Edwards and Troy Bell Lane Waggoner Award was established in 1972 by Frances Lane Edwards, class of 1945, in memory of her husband, Russell, and is given to the most outstanding junior in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
West Chevrolet Academic Award – The West Chevrolet Academic Award is given to a student who scores in the top 10 on the College’s mathematics competition or to an outstanding local first-year or sophomore student majoring in the Division.
William H Dent Calculus Award – Given to the student with the most outstanding performance in calculus.
Natural Sciences:
A. Randolf Shields Award – The A. Randolph Shields Award is given to the graduating senior who has the most outstanding four-year record in Biology, and remembers Professor of Biology and Division Chair Dr. Shields, class of 1934.
Distinguished Achievement in Chemistry Award – In recognition of outstanding achievement developed over four years, the Distinguished Achievement in Chemistry Award goes to the graduating senior who demonstrates the most outstanding accomplishments in chemistry.
Elizabeth Hillman Chemistry Award – The Elizabeth Hillman Award is awarded to a woman in the junior class who shows excellence in the study of Chemistry.
Outstanding Performance in General Chemistry Award – The Outstanding Performance in General Chemistry Award is presented to a first-year or sophomore student in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the study of general chemistry.
Outstanding Performance in Organic Chemistry Award – The Outstanding Performance in Organic Chemistry Award is given to a sophomore or junior student in recognition of demonstrated outstanding ability in the study of organic chemistry.
Robert K. Godfrey Freshmen Biology Award – Named for Alumnus Robert K. Godfrey ’36, who went on to become a renowned botanist, the Robert K. Godfrey Freshman Biology Award goes to a first-year Biology major who’s shown demonstrated excellence in their first year courses.
Sophomore Biology Award – The Sophomore Biology Award is presented to a second-year Biology major for showing outstanding ability and promise in the biological sciences.
Susan Allen Green Award – The Susan Allen Green Award is presented to the most outstanding student in the junior class majoring in Biology and honors professor Susan Allen Green, who taught Biology at the College from 1906-1950.
Social Sciences:
Agnes Thornton-Bird Endowed Memorial Award – The Agnes Thornton Bird Endowed Memorial Award is given to a local sophomore or junior woman interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession. Agnes Thorton-Bird served as Assistant Professor of Political Science at the College in the late 1960’s- early 1970’s.
Hall Ethical Thinking Award – The Hall “Ethical Thinking” Award is presented to a member of the senior class with the most outstanding creative or practical essay on ethical thinking.
John W. Burgess Award – Named for Tennessee native and first president of the American Political Science Association, the John W. Burgess Award for meritorious achievement in the field of political science goes to the Outstanding Student in Political Science.
Judson B. Murphy Endowed Business Award – The Judson B. Murphy Endowed Business Award is presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding work in one of the Business majors, with outstanding character, well-rounded achievement, and career promise. The award honors Judson B. Murphy, class of 1939, who was a civic and community leader and served on the Maryville College Board of Directors.
Kyle and Roberta Myers Petree Endowed Award – The Kyle and Roberta Myers Petree Endowed Award is given to an outstanding local student majoring in Business or Education. Mr. & Mrs. Petree, graduates of Maryville College, have devoted their professional lives in service to Blount County.
Gina Benedict Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice – The Gina Benedict Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice Award is named in honor of Dr. Gina Benedict, the first coordinator of Maryville College’s major in Criminal Justice. It is given to a senior student of outstanding character and promise demonstrating superior work in the field of criminal justice.
Outstanding Student in Environmental Studies – The Outstanding Student in Environmental Studies is given to the student who demonstrates outstanding work in the Environmental Studies major, has strong character, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Outstanding Senior Award in Sociology – The Outstanding Senior in Sociology is given to the student who demonstrates high achievement in the Sociology major.
Achievement Awards in Leadership:
Community & Belonging:
Warren Xavier Sales Award – This award recognizes a student who demonstrates moral courage, fosters meaningful dialogue within the Maryville College community, and exemplifies the College’s commitment to “doing good on the largest possible scale.” The recipient uses their voice, presence, and actions to empower others, build understanding across differences, and strengthen the campus community.
Nancy Smith Wright Unity Award – “The Nancy Smith Wright Unity Award is named after Nancy Smith Wright, who was one of the first students to reintegrate Maryville College as a member of the “Maryville Six.” Graduating in 1960, Ms. Wright became the first African-American student in 62 years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Global+:
International Student Leader of the Year – The International Student Leader of the Year award is given to an international student or leader in the international community on campus who exhibits leadership, and outstanding contributions to global engagement at Maryville College.
Community Engagement:
Newman Civic Fellowship – The prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are leaders for positive change.
Student Volunteer of the Year – The Student Volunteer of the Year award goes to one outstanding individual who has shown exceptional commitment, leadership, and impact in their service to the community.
Student Ambassador Awards:
Ambassador of the Year – The Ambassador of the Year recipient was recognized by their peers as an individual that did an exceptional job of representing the College in a positive and professional manner and who go above and beyond in their involvement as an Ambassador.
The Closer Award – The Closer Award is annually awarded to the ambassadors who have served as an instrumental part in ensuring the Admissions Office reaches their enrollment goals. These individuals have received either the highest percentage deposits annually, or the highest total amount of deposits annually.
Residence Life:
Residence Life Distinguished Service Award – The Residence Life Distinguished Service Award is annually awarded to a returning Resident Assistant who has displayed significant contributions to the program throughout the entire course of their service to the Resident Assistant position.
Resident Assistant of the Year – The Resident Assistant of the Year recipient was selected based on their undeniable and substantial impact on their residents.
Student Org Awards:
Student Organization of the Year – The award is presented to the student organization that has extraordinarily served its student members, as well as positively impacted the entire college community with vibrant programming and service.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year – The award recognizes the advisor who has enabled an organization to reach its goals and make a significant contribution to student activities at Maryville College.
The Outstanding Student Leader Awards:
Outstanding First-Year Leader – Outstanding First-Year Leader Award is given to a rising sophomore who has shown outstanding performance as a campus and community leader in their first year, and who shows excellent potential of continuing in leadership roles at Maryville College.
Outstanding Sophomore Leader – Outstanding Sophomore Leader Award is given to a rising junior who has shown outstanding performance as a campus and community leader in their Sophomore year, and who shows excellent potential of continuing in leadership roles at Maryville College.
Outstanding Junior Leader – Outstanding Junior Leader Award is given to a rising senior who has shown outstanding performance as a campus and community leader in their junior year, and who shows excellent potential of continuing in leadership roles at Maryville College.
Carl ’63 & Jean McDonald Outstanding Senior Award – Presented since 1975, the intent of this award is to recognize a senior student who has been active in a broad range of activities, who most exemplifies the “ideal” Maryville College graduate, and who has the potential to be an outstanding alumnus. Selection of the Outstanding Senior nominees and the ultimate recipient is made by a representative committee of faculty, staff, and students, appointed by the Dean of Students. This committee carries out an extensive and thorough nomination and selection process in reviewing the records of eligible seniors. The committee then narrows the choice to final nominees and, ultimately, to a single recipient.
Other named awards:
Ryan Newhouse Award – The Ryan Newhouse Award is given each year to the junior or senior student who, according to business, fine arts, and humanities faculty, typifies the finest characteristics of the liberal arts, by uniting the fields of business and the humanities or fine arts in their academic life, personal growth, and values. Ryan’s combination of creativity, respect for the common good, and engagement in diverse modes of inquiry embodied the liberal arts tradition. The Newhouse Award reminds us that at Maryville College, business is a liberal art.
The Jackson Outstanding International Student – The Jackson Outstanding International Student Award is given to a senior non-native English speaker who has been a student at MC for one academic year, has a minimum GPA of 3.5, and has shown leadership inside and outside the classroom.
The Sharon A Murphy Crane Award – The Sharon A. Murphy Crane Award, named for the late Sharon Crane, a beloved former staff member at Maryville College, is given to a rising junior or senior who is actively involved in campus activities, deeply loves the College, and is willing to raise issues to benefit the entire College community.
The Lequire Award – The LeQuire Award was established in 1987 by the descendants and friends of Granville Dexter LeQuire, a Maryville physician, and his wife, Ellen Brickey LeQuire. It was created to help defray the expenses of applying to medical school, so preference is shown to a senior student who has chosen medicine as a career goal. Each year, eligible seniors are nominated by faculty members from the Humanities and Natural Sciences divisions, and the recipient is selected by the President of the College. Dr. Granville Dexter LeQuire was a student at Maryville College in the preparatory department and later served as the College physician. He received his M.D. degree from Lincoln Memorial University Medical School in Knoxville and, after service in World War I, returned to practice in Maryville. He was a charter member of the American Academy of General Practice, a member of the Tennessee State Medical Association, and was selected Family Doctor of the Year in 1952 by the Tennessee Academy of General Practice. Dr. LeQuire was also chief of staff of Doctor’s Hospital and later of Blount Memorial Hospital.