Local college students recognized

Several college students with local ties have been honored recently by their schools of higher learning.

Samuel “Blake” McCullah

University of the Cumberlands offers undergraduate students who have excelled academically an opportunity to complete significant research in their major field of study. This advanced independent study or creative activity is conducted over two semesters and mentored by a faculty member.

The resulting thesis and oral presentation are reviewed and approved by both the academic department and the Presidential Scholars Research Committee.

This year, two undergraduate students have completed the requirements for this honor. President Cockrum will now recognize these students as Presidential Scholars. Samuel “Blake” McCullah is one of two graduates named a Presidential Scholar for 2024.

McCullah, who is from Williamsburg , is the son of Angela and Samuel McCullah.

At University of the Cumberlands, he is majoring in chemistry and biology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Tan, his research focuses on the chemical recycling of polycotton polyblend textiles.

McCullah plans to attend the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to pursue a Doctor of Medicine.

Chaz Disney

The University of the Cumberlands T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award is presented to a male student in their junior year of study who is expected to make an outstanding contribution to his community in the future. This year’s recipient is Chaz Disney.

Disney is a junior, who hails from Corbin. He is a missions and ministry major with an emphasis in youth and family ministry.

Disney is heavily involved in youth group ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church and currently leads the group at the Williamsburg campus. In addition, he leads a weekly men’s Bible study for UC men, and he participates in mission trips regularly.

Last summer, he completed an internship at his local church to serve the community and gain additional hands-on training in various ministry contexts.

Disney intends to pursue a profession in ministry after graduation and seeks to impact the local community through ministry.

Jordan Richardson

The University of the Cumberlands Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award honors a male student from the senior class who has made significant contributions to university life while demonstrating outstanding spiritual values. This year’s winner is Jordan Richardson.

Richardson, who is a senior from Williamsburg, is the son of Roger and Cynthia Richardson. He is a biology major with a restricted electives minor.

At Cumberlands, Richardson is an active member of Appalachian Ministries. On campus, he serves as a teacher assistant for biology through the Hearst Scholar Program. He also plays tennis on the junior varsity team and is a member of the Pre-Health Club.

Off-campus, Richardson works at Faith Christian Academy, mentoring struggling students. He is a leader of the TeamKid 4th-6th grade class at Cumberland Freewill Baptist Church, where he plays during worship.

Richardson’s future plans include continuing his studies at UC in the Physician Assistant Program. Ultimately, he would like to be a physician assistant in the Williamsburg area, possibly specializing in pediatrics.

Cierra Ledford

The University of Kentucky’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has inducted Cierra Ledford of Corbin into the honor society in spring 2024. Ledford’s primary major is anthropology.

Celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and the most prestigious honor society and opens many doors over the course of members’ careers. It contributes to opportunities for life-long learning and rounded lives outside of career, which follows the society’s motto “Love of Learning is the Guide to Life.” Phi Beta Kappa elects more than 15,000 new members a year from 290 chapters across the United States.

UK’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter is supported by the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, the Lewis Honors College and the Office of the President.