Science graduates win WCU’s Jenkins-Chastain Award
William Carey University held its 2024 Honors Day Convocation on April 24. The annual event recognizes students for outstanding academic and leadership achievements.
WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett presented Jenkins-Chastain Citizenship Awards to Sarah Crowsey and Anna Hillman. Established in 1957, the Jenkins-Chastain Award goes to students who exemplify outstanding citizenship, scholarship, leadership, and Christian service. It is the university’s highest honor.
Both of this year’s Jenkins-Chastain honorees are graduates of the WCU School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, which includes an emphasis on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
“Everyone at the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences is very proud of Sarah and Anna. It’s been great to watch them excel in their academic pursuits, while earning degrees in multiple majors and minors in very tough disciplines. They were also very active on campus and with volunteer activities. Their bright minds and servant’s hearts will help shape their community for the better,” said Dr. Jessica Brook, WCU chair of biological sciences.
Sarah Crowsey
Sarah Crowsey is from Purvis, where she lives on a farm with her parents, Rick and Rhonda Crowsey. She graduated from William Carey with majors in biology and forensic science, and a minor in math. In the fall, she will begin work toward a Ph.D. in polymer science at the University of Southern Mississippi.
“Anytime I wasn’t in class or helping out as a work study at Green Science, I was usually riding, trimming, or working a horse in some way. Outside of that, I enjoy volunteering at the Edwards Street Fellowship Center thrift store. And I served as a judge for several science fairs, which was a blast,” Crowsey said.
“After I finish my Ph.D. at USM, I'm interested in a career in chemistry or polymer science. But I’ll also be running a second business breeding, training, and selling horses.”
Anna Hillman
Anna Hillman of Beaumont is the daughter of Stacey and the late Becky Hillman. She graduated with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. In the fall, Hillman plans to pursue a master’s degree in medical biological sciences at Mississippi College.
“I’m graduating a year early, so I’m going to take that year and get my master’s degree. After that, I want to come back here, attend the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine and become a doctor. I really don’t have a medical specialty in mind. I want to go wherever God leads me,” Hillman said.
As a student, Hillman was a President’s List scholar and took part in wide variety of activities – including Diamond Girls, Cheer Team, Pi Omega Sorority, and Pre-SOMA (Student Osteopathic Medical Association). Hillman volunteered once a week at Merit Health Wesley, helped crew CareyWOW, WCU’s freshman orientation, and served three years in the Student Government Association.