College of Education and Behavioral Science Names Top Graduates

JONESBORO – The College of Education and Behavioral Science at Arkansas State University recognized 34 outstanding graduating students for the 2025-26 academic year during Convocation of Scholars, according to Dr. Annette Hux, dean of the college.

The Chancellor’s Scholar award for highest overall grade point in the college was presented to Makenzi Davis of Poplar Bluff, Mo., a student in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences.

The 4.0 Graduate Award was presented to six other seniors who also are completing their degree programs with a perfect GPA. They are Brandon Bennett of Cabot, Kaleah Chaffin of Fort Smith, Makala Clayton of Wynne, Jenna Hauge of Jonesboro, Payton Journagan of Fayetteville and Brian Maechler of Mena.

The departmental awards are presented to the graduate in each degree program who has most excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to the department.

Those receiving awards and their respective degree programs, by department:

Helping Our Wolves Learn (H.O.W.L.) Transition/ATLAS Programs 
 
Annakate Slatton of Hot Springs, H.O.W.L. program
Kelby Mack of Marion, ATLAS program.
 
Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Special Education:

Shayna Miles of Paris, Texas, Doctor of Education (EdD), educational leadership;
Emily Hall of Jonesboro, Specialist in Education (EdS), educational leadership;
Sarah Brackin of Auburn, Ala., Specialist in Education (EdS), special education director;
Caren Liebmann of Harrisburg, Master of Science in Education (MSE), special education;
Jaclyn Hamby of Jonesboro, Master of Science in Education (MSE), educational leadership;
Kiersten Henderson of Bay, Master of Science in Education (MSE), gifted, talented and creative;
Christie Bavuso of Monongahela, Pa., Master of Science in Higher Education;
Susan Toboy of Jacksonville, Master of Art in Teaching (MAT), in special education; and
Megan Thiesse of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), special education.

Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences:

Kyle Shaffer of Huntsville, Ala., Master of Science (MS), sport administration;
Emma Graddy of Conway, Master of Science (MS), exercise science;
Makenzi Davis of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), physical education;
Riley Jackson of Marion, Bachelor of Science (BS), exercise science; and
Jacob Myers of Rossville, Tenn., Bachelor of Science (BS), sport management.
 
Department of Psychology and Counseling:

Emily Slavens of Loveland, Colo., Specialist in Education (EdS), school psychology;
Neely Boyd of Jonesboro, Specialist in Education (EdS), clinical mental health counseling;
Ricky Kyzer of Heber Springs, Master of Science in Education (MSE), school counseling; and
Sarah Millard of South Africa, Bachelor of Science (BS), psychology.

Department of Teacher Education:

Tiffany Gordon of Aurora, Colo., Specialist in Education (EdS), reading;
Tawny Beulieu of Ward, Master of Science in Education (MSE), reading;
Julie Phillips of Kansas City, Kan., Master of Science in Education (MSE), early childhood education;
Emily Mason of Wynne, Master of Science (MS), early childhood services;
Travis George of Bearden, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), elementary education;
Jenna Hauge of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), elementary education; and
Maggie Blalock of Jonesboro, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), middle-level education.