MGA Recognizes Students For Superior Academic Achievements At 2026 Honors Convocation

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, April 13, 2026 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Aviation | Students | School of Health and Natural Sciences | School of Computing | School of Business | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Pressroom | School of Arts and Letters


Macon, GA

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Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is honoring Chloe Mei Qi Rogers, education major, and Jami Strickland, social work major, as the President’s Scholars for the Class of 2026. 

John Beasley, information technology major, is the 2026 Academic Recognition Day Scholar representing MGA. 

The three are among the more than 30 MGA students recognized at this year’s Honors Convocation for their superior academic achievements. 

Each year, one or more graduating seniors are chosen by the Honors, Awards, and Graduation Committee, with the approval of the University president, to be President's Scholars. The chosen student or students must have outstanding academic records, involvement in campus and/or community service activities, and demonstrate characteristics indicating the promise of successful futures. 

Rogers is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to the field of education. She has earned a perfect 4.0 GPA while exceeding course expectations through conference presentations, faculty collaboration, and strong clinical practice. Her academic success is matched by firsthand experience as a paraprofessional at Dodge County Primary School, as well as prior roles as a substitute teacher and student support staff member. Across these positions, she has demonstrated professionalism, instructional skill, and a dedication to supporting diverse learners, all while balancing rigorous coursework. Rogers is a well-rounded student-leader who is deeply engaged in service and mentorship. 

Strickland is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to the social work profession. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA, she serves as president of both the Horizons Social Work Club and the Delta Iota Pi Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society, where she fosters student engagement, professional development, and community involvement. Through her leadership, she organizes meetings and service initiatives that strengthen peer connections and support partnerships with organizations such as DayBreak and Macon Habitat for Humanity, reflecting her commitment to service and collaboration. 

Academic Recognition Day Scholar is a University System of Georgia award given to students at each institution who demonstrate high academic achievement and a strong commitment to service to their community and university or college.  

Beasley, MGA’s recipient, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in IT. He has earned a 3.96 overall GPA, including a perfect 4.0 in all major coursework, demonstrating discipline, intellectual curiosity, and integrity. His success in rigorous information technology studies reflects both strong technical ability and dedication to mastering complex concepts, aligning with the highest ideals of scholarship at MGA. 

These MGA students also received academic awards at Honors Convocation: 

Camille Kowalski – Outstanding Academic Excellence in English 

Alison Gely – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Technical and Professional Writing  

Caroline Gilbert – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Interdisciplinary Studies 

Chloe Kate Alligood – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate 

Katherine Perez – Academic Excellence in Aviation Science & Management 

Jensen Brock – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Business Administration 

Censimari Prieto Vera – Academic Excellence in Health Services Administration 

Jessica Rachal – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Business Administration—Management and Marketing 

Nageli K. Vasquez Ortega – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Information Technology—Cyber Forensics 

Anna Schumaker – DoIT Ambassador 

Reema Bhaskar – Outstanding Leadership and Service in Computer Science 

Hollis Blackwell – Academic Excellence in Mathematics—Applied Statistics; Outstanding Senior in Mathematics 

Stephanie Woodside – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Psychology 

Shawn Christopher Hill – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Social Work 

Chloe Mei Qi Rogers – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Elementary/Special Education 

Kyle Studdard – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Secondary Education—History 

Jennifer Meghann Westray – Carol Bloodworth Award 

Jessica Dean Fair – LEADS Award 

Mitch (Jonathan) Lovett – LEADS Award 

Gavin Osborne – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Biology 

Bunnye Cordova – Academic Excellence in Nursing, A.S.N. 

Brianna Glenn – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Nursing, B.S.N. 

Anna Michelle Friesz – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Nursing, M.S.N. 

Madison Belle Walker – Outstanding Academic Excellence in Occupational Therapy 

Angelique Hawkins – Academic Excellence in Respiratory Therapy Entry-Level Program 

Heather Sanders – Respiratory Therapy Academic Excellence Award for the Bachelor of Science Respiratory Therapy Bridge Program 

Tara Mann – Academic Excellence in History 

Honors Graduates 

Caley Chun 
Jennifer Westray 
Jasmine Lopez 
Applonia Glenn 
Michaela Dixon