Fulton, MO – Lainey Rutter, a senior at William Woods University (WWU) and a resident of Grove, Oklahoma, was honored with a prestigious academic award from the university as part of its recent year-end Co-Curricular Awards. At the end of each academic year, WWU recognizes a select group of graduating seniors who have achieved excellence in academic, co-curricular and service projects during their time at the university.
Rutter, who graduated this Spring with honors with a Bachelor’s degree in Political/Legal Studies, received the Faculty Award from the University.
The Faculty Award is the highest award given to a student by the University each year. It is presented to the 2025 graduating senior who, in the estimation of the faculty of the University, has evidenced exemplary devotion and commitment to the life of the mind. In order to be eligible, the student must be a graduating senior who has completed a minimum of 60 hours through William Woods University and has a minimum 3.75 grade point average.
While at WWU, Rutter represented the university in Washington, DC twice: once for a Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law conference and once during an internship with the law firm Wilkinson/Barker/Knauer. With a minor in Criminal Justice, Rutter also volunteered at multiple first responder and active shooter exercises. On campus, she served as a residential advisor and peer educator, and also found time to take part in 10 theatrical productions. Rutter also represented WWU as an equestrian at the National Equestrian Center and World Equestrian Center, in the Hunter/Jumper discipline.
While maintaining a busy schedule of extracurricular activities, Rutter has maintained a spot on the dean’s list with a 3.98 grade point average. To further the education she has received at William Woods, she will be attending the University of Michigan Law School beginning in Fall 2025.
