Willard resident receives two prestigious academic awards from William Woods University

Fulton, MO– Ashley Pendleton, a senior at William Woods University (WWU) and resident of Willard, was honored with two prestigious academic awards from the university during the William Woods Academic Honors Convocation and Co-Curricular Banquet on April 26. 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.

Pendleton, who graduated on April 27 with a degree with honors in English, received the Cockrell Award and Distinguished Scholar designation in English from the university. 

The Cockrell Award is presented to the graduating senior who has participated in a variety of campus activities, serving as an officer or chair and who has held membership in honorary groups. The student must exemplify outstanding campus citizenship, contribute to society, exhibit loyalty to the university and its policies and have a genuine regard for others in personal relationships.

Pendleton was one of a select group of 21 senior students to receive the Distinguished Scholar award. Faculty members designate one graduating senior from each program for the honor. While eligibility requires a minimum 3.4 grade point average, faculty also consider other relevant academic factors in the selection process. 

A Dean’s List student, Pendleton has been extremely active on campus during her time at WWU. She has served as a Freshman Advantage mentor; captain of the WWU cheerleading squad; sophomore and junior class president of Student Alumni Council; member of the Campus Activities Board; auction chair for President’s Twenty; secretary for Sigma Tau Delta, and national English honors society; member of the Kappa Delta Pi and Omicron Delta Kappa national honors societies, and member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.