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ÓûÂþɬ held its 2025 Honors Day on April 30. The year-end event recognizes students for outstanding academic and service achievement.

WCU President Ben Burnett presented the day’s top honor, the Jenkins-Chastain Award, to Aiden Albritton of Madison and Anna Carroll of Carriere. Established in 1957, the Jenkins-Chastain Award goes to two students who exemplify citizenship, scholarship, leadership, and Christian service.

“This award is the highest honor given by ÓûÂþɬ. Anna and Aiden represent all of the qualities expected of students who win this prestigious award. They lead academically, spiritually and in the way they serve others. We expect great things from both of them after graduation,” Burnett said.

This year’s Jenkins-Chastain winners were also elected Mr. and Miss WCU by their classmates. And between them, they won three departmental awards, too.

WCU President Ben Burnett congratulates this year’s winners of the Jenkins-Chastain Award, Aidan Albritton and Anna Carroll.

Aidan Albritton

Aidan Albritton majored in business administration and minored in strategic communication and leadership. He was active in a wide spectrum of campus groups, including Carey Ambassadors, CareyWOW, and the WCU Strategic Planning Council. He served as president of the Baptist Student Union and helped lead a mission trip to New York City.

He also won this year’s Outstanding Management/Marketing Student Award from the School of Business and the Alumni Association’s School Spirit Award.

“Aidan approaches each task and assignment with enthusiasm and gives his best effort in all endeavors. He’s helpful to students who need assistance. He encourages others and has a positive attitude in every situation. He has earned the respect of both faculty members and peers,” said Laurie Glaze, assistant professor of business administration.

What’s next: In June, Albritton will start work as an undergraduate recruiter for ÓûÂþɬ.

“I want to work for an institution that believes in people and helps them succeed. I want a job where I can make a difference in someone’s life – working at Carey fulfills that desire,” Albritton said.

In my junior year, I had an experience that stands out to me. It was a week when, over and over, I had one-on-one conversations with others. I walked away resolved that ‘making a difference’ or ‘success’ is not found in large groups of people attending events or working on a plan, but in listening to someone and making them feel valued. That’s what is most important: Be like Jesus to the people around you.

Aidan Albritton is the son of Michael and Anne Albritton of Madison.

Anna Carroll

Anna Carroll majored in biology with a pre-medicine concentration. She was a member of Carey Scholars and Alpha Chi Honor Society – and made the President’s List every term. She served as president of the Student Government Association, performed with WCU’s Worship Choir, and won this year’s Senior Biology Award from the School of Natural & Behavioral Sciences.

She also spent two years working in the Student Services office.

“Anna's work ethic and positive attitude made her a great SGA president and work study student. Anna played an integral part in launching our Cobbler Closet food pantry. Since opening in September 2023, we have had close to 1,850 visits. Anna made my days brighter and she will be greatly missed on campus,” said Adria Piazza, director of student services.

What’s next: As an undergraduate, Carroll was a member of the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association and Mississippi Rural Physician Scholarship program. She plans to start medical school in fall 2026.

“I want to become a physician because I am passionate about medicine and it would give me the opportunity to serve others. I have not decided on a specialty, but I think primary care would be fitting for me. I hope to return to rural Mississippi to serve a community similar to the one that raised me,” Carroll said.

My top observation about ÓûÂþɬ is that we truly are a family. Faculty and staff pour into the students and help set them up for success. My time at Carey has taught me life and leadership skills that will serve me well into the rest of my education and career.

Anna Carroll is the daughter of Kirby and Tabatha Carroll of Carriere.