GREENEVILLE – Students who have excelled during the academic year and throughout their studies at Tusculum University earned recognition during the annual Honors Convocation, which spotlights their preparation to be career-ready, civically engaged professionals.
Four people earned Outstanding Service to Students Awards. They were Meagan Stark, second from left; Jackie McCrary, fifth from left, Jackie McCrary, sixth from left, and Dr. Kurtis Miller, right. Student Maria Torres, fourth from the left, received the School Spirit Award. Joining them for the photo are BriAnna Higgins, left, with the Student Government Association and Chuck Sutton, second from left, with the Office of Student Affairs.
Tusculum granted additional awards during the Thursday, April 24, event to faculty who have made a positive difference through their excellent teaching and provision of active and experiential learning for students. The convocation also highlighted behind-the-scenes support of students and the university’s operations with additional honors awarded to staff members.
“We are blessed with exceptional students who make the most of their education by embracing the opportunity to enrich their lives and discover their purpose and calling in a caring Christian environment at Tusculum,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “We are also fortunate to have expert and committed faculty and staff who are committed to providing one-on-one support and mentoring for four students. These awards are an outstanding way to celebrate the excellence that permeates our campus in all facets and commend these deserving recipients of different honors.”
Cheers and applause abounded as Tusculum handed out multiple awards. The top honor was the President’s Award, bestowed by Dr. Hummel to a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Tusculum and has been the highest achiever in the combined areas of academics, extracurricular activities, campus leadership and attitude. Tusculum bases the selection on the student’s complete time at Tusculum.
The winner was Helena Walts, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in sport science pre-physical therapy.
Dr. Scott Hummel, left, presents the President’s Award to Helena Walts.
Dr. Hummel noted Walts has a 4.0 grade point average and has been accepted into physical therapy school. One of her accomplishments came in 2023 when she was earned the James E. Ward Future Professional Honor Award from the Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She then competed for the national award and won it from the Society for Health and Physical Educators, the first time a Tusculum students earned that honor.
In addition, Walts is a three-time recipient of the Tusculum Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award and South Atlantic Conference Commissioner’s Honors Roll Award. She played on the women’s soccer team for four years and served on its self-selected leadership panel.
Her success also includes three internships, becoming a certified personal trainer and participating in the Alpha Chi Honor Society. She is also civically engaged, organizing supplies for Hurricane Helene relief, volunteering at the Greene County Humane Society, reading books at local elementary schools, teaching soccer skills at a school and creating Christmas shoe boxes for children.
Walts was grateful to receive the award. She gave a special shout-out to Dr. Suzanne Byrd and Dr. David Bow, both of whom are professors of sport science and remembered how Dr. Hummel was the teacher of her first class when she was a freshman.
“I am very honored and was not expecting it, but I definitely couldn’t do it without my teachers,” she said. “They have pushed me every step of the way since my freshman year. Everyone has been really instrumental in my career.”
Dr. Suzanne Byrd, left, celebrates her receipt of the Outstanding Faculty for Excellence in Teaching, Service and Scholarship Award with Dr. David Cook.
On the teaching side, Dr. Byrd, a longtime faculty member, attained special status. She was chosen for the Outstanding Faculty for Excellence in Teaching, Service and Scholarship Award. Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented Dr. Byrd with the honor and shared some of the comments made by her fellow faculty members.
She is credited with demonstrating a relentless dedication to the university and being generous with her time, whether it is with students or her colleagues. Compliments from faculty members included that she is an asset and advocate for her students and a dedicated faculty member who demonstrates a deep love for Tusculum. Another one noted that the university is fortunate to have Dr. Byrd as a Tusculum family member.
Dr. Byrd has served as a Tusculum faculty member since 2010 and served as the head women’s basketball coach for five years. In the last few years, she has taken the lead on creating the new Bachelor of Science in sport science pre-athletic training and was one of the leaders on the new wilderness experience minor.
She is also a fixture at Tusculum basketball games, handling a variety of roles at the scorer’s table for the athletic department. Dr. Byrd has officiated volleyball and basketball for 20 years and was named in the fall to serve on the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s officiating advisory board. She represents all volleyball officials across the state.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award from Tusculum,” Dr. Byrd said. “My personal mission has always been to help students achieve their goals in any way possible. I am one of many faculty members at Tusculum who work tirelessly to support students.”
The Student Government Association officers for the 2025-26 academic year will be, left to right, BriAnna Higgins, secretary; Isabella Headland, vice president; Janelle Zirger, president; AnnaLee Simpson, treasurer; and John Ross, speaker of the house.
In addition to these awards, Tusculum presented Key Awards to students in programs across the university’s academic divisions for their success in the classroom. Tusculum also recognized honors society members and presented service awards to students. Faculty and staff members, community members and a cafeteria work received the Outstanding Service to Students Awards.
Chuck Sutton, vice president of student affairs and retention, swore in the Student Government Association officers for the 2025-2026 academic year. They are Janelle Zirger, president; Isabella Headland, vice president; BriAnna Higgins, secretary; AnnaLee Simpson, treasurer; and John Ross, speaker of the house.
“Now that we are about to conclude the academic year, it is wonderful to step back and look at the strong performances of our students, faculty and staff,” Dr. Cook said. “Our faculty and staff have poured into our students, who have reached impressive heights inside and outside the classroom. We look forward to seeing where God leads our students and know that our faculty and staff will continue to stand by them every step of the way.”
To see a complete list of the honorees, please visit https://bit.ly/4jIsXwK. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.