University of the Cumberlands Honors Student Achievements for 2024-2025

University of the Cumberlands proudly recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics, service, and leadership. Each year, select students are honored for their accomplishments and character. The following students have been recognized for the 2024-2025 academic year:

Rita Aguye Cots Named Presidential Scholar
Cumberlands offers high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete significant research in their major field of study through the Presidential Scholars program. This advanced, faculty-mentored study is conducted over two semesters and culminates in a thesis and oral presentation reviewed by the academic department and the Presidential Scholars Research Committee.

Rita, one of two students to complete this rigorous program, has been named a 2025 Presidential Scholar. Rita is from Barcelona, Spain, and is the daughter of Cesar Aguye and Montse Cots. She graduated with majors in chemistry and biology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Tan, her research focused on the chemical recycling of multilayer and multi-fiber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) post-consumer products. Rita plans to pursue a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Korbin Keith Named Presidential Scholar

Korbin Keith, also named a 2025 Presidential Scholar, is from West Jefferson, Ohio, and is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Keith. He graduated with a major in chemistry and a minor in physics. Under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Tan, his research focused on the chemical recycling of polycarbonate from post-consumer compact discs. Korbin plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Tennessee.

Owen Scala Wins T.J. Roberts Campus Leadership Award
The T.J. Roberts Campus Leadership Award is presented to a graduating senior who exemplifies leadership on campus while maintaining high academic standing. This year’s recipient is Owen Scala.

Owen is the son of Vaughn Scala and Gail Mirolsky-Scala of Poland, Maine. He earned his degree in accounting and business administration with a minor in missions and ministry. A resident assistant and residence hall leader, Owen has also served as an accounting peer tutor and has been actively involved in Appalachian Ministries. He maintained a strong connection with Immanuel Baptist Church, serving as a ministry intern and participating in mission trips to New Orleans and Spain. Owen plans to pursue an MBA with an accounting emphasis and use his training to serve others.

LeeAnna McNulty Wins Gorman Jones Campus Leadership Award
The Gorman Jones Campus Leadership Award honors a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding campus leadership and academic success. This year’s award goes to LeeAnna McNulty.

LeeAnna is the daughter of Steven and Tonya McNulty of Honaker, Virginia. She earned a degree in biology/pre-med with a minor in coaching. A standout leader on the women’s varsity basketball team, LeeAnna has received NAIA and Mid-South academic honors for three years. She served as president of the TriBeta Honors Society chapter, was a member of the Diversity Leadership Council, and was named a Hutton Scholar, contributing over 200 volunteer hours. She is also a Hearst Scholar, microbiology lab tech, and certified nursing assistant with over 1,000 hours of patient care experience. LeeAnna has participated in numerous service trips and community outreach projects. She plans to attend Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida, to become a family medicine doctor serving her Appalachian community.

Charles Disney Wins Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award honors a male graduating senior who has made significant contributions to university life and demonstrated outstanding spiritual values. This year’s recipient is Charles “Chaz” Disney.

Chaz is the son of Angela and Gary Disney of Corbin, Kentucky. He graduated with a degree in Christian studies and youth ministry. Chaz served as a campus ambassador in Admissions, earning Ambassador of the Month recognition three times. He participated in multiple campus and church ministry groups, including mission trips to New Orleans and Spain. He also received the T.E. Mahan Service Award in 2024. Chaz plans to pursue full-time ministry work and further his education in seminary.

Piper McGuire Wins Mary Mildred Sullivan Award
The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award honors a female graduating senior who has contributed meaningfully to university life and shown strong spiritual values. This year’s award goes to Piper McGuire.

Piper is the daughter of Jessica McGuire of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and Brad McGuire of Frankfort, Kentucky. She earned degrees in social work and world languages & cultures. Piper served as a photographer for Sports Information, a member of the SGA, and a ResLife RA. She is a member of Sigma Delta Pi and serves as a peer tutor in the Learning Commons. Piper studied abroad in Costa Rica and participated in Beach Reach through Campus Ministries. She also interned at KCEOC Community Action Agency, working with individuals experiencing homelessness. Piper plans to pursue a helping profession, sharing her faith and empowering marginalized communities.

Shelby Wilson Wins A.T. Siler Memorial Service Award
The A.T. Siler Memorial Service Award is presented to a junior female student who is expected to make an outstanding future contribution to her community. This year’s recipient is Shelby Wilson.

Shelby is a junior from Corbin, Kentucky, and is the daughter of Michael and Amber Wilson. She is majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and business administration. Shelby has volunteered extensively at Grace on the Hill Church, with the food pantry, and at the Ronald McDonald House. She has also raised funds through the Rotary and Ossoli Clubs and served with the Corbin Backpack Program.

Michael (Jonah) Neal Wins T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award
The T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award is given to a junior male student who is expected to make an outstanding future contribution to his community. This year’s recipient is Jonah Neal.

Jonah is a junior from Strunk, Kentucky, and is the son of Mike and Tammy Neal. He is majoring in political science and Christian ministry. Jonah serves as SGA president, helped establish Christ the King Anglican Church, and coaches local soccer teams. He also serves on community boards, including the South Fork Scenic Railway/Stearns Heritage Foundation.

Additional Award and Scholarship Recipients

• Celia Brass (Berger Full-Tuition Scholarship): Junior, Lexington, KY.
• Kelsey McDaniel (George I. Alden Scholar): Sophomore, Hazard, KY.
• Jackson Estes (George I. Alden Scholar): Sophomore, Williamsburg, KY.
• Cayden Rowe (Gorman Jones Scholarship): Sophomore, Whitley City, KY. 
• Macy Daugherty (Mavis F. Broome Scholarship): Junior, McCreary County, KY.
• Lucas Bargo (Virginia Lovett Scholarship for Superior English Students): Sophomore, London, KY.
• Maura Allen (Dr. Tessa Nelson Humphries Freshman Writing Award): Freshman, Georgetown, KY.
• Cajun Mickee Stevens (Phyllis Richardson Wood Music Scholarship): Senior, Somerset, KY.
• Georgia Smith (Gwynn Cornell Helping Hand Award): Sophomore, Westphalia, MI.
• Cheyenne Haning (Harold Wortman Music Scholarship): Freshman, Fostoria, OH.
• Nathan Howard (Dr. Fred Roth Memorial Scholarship): Junior, Fort Mitchell, KY.
• Kirsten Skidmore (Bella Bender Lipps Art Award): Sophomore, Williamsburg, KY.

Congratulations to these outstanding students for their achievements and service!