2 4 1 S T C O M M E N C E M E N T C E R E M O N Y | 2 5 Dedicated to scholarly inquiry, Price conducted original research in collaboration with Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi, Dr. John Phillips, and Dr. Emily Rose from the Department of Biology and Dr. Gopeekrishnan Sreenilayam from the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences. She presented her findings at the 2023 Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (“Morphological Assessment of Green Anoles in Hawaii”), the 2025 VSU Undergraduate Research Symposium (“Sexual Selection in Betta Splendens: Female Preferences and Male Mating Strategies” and “Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Gene Expression in Pansy Flowers”), and the 2026 VSU Undergraduate Research Symposium (“Carotenoid Extraction Using Deep Eutectic Solvents”). Her continued engagement in research throughout her four years at VSU reflects both her intellectual curiosity and her passion for sharing knowledge and contributing meaningfully to the academic community. Price’s commitment to academic, research, leadership, and service excellence resulted in her earning a spot on the Dean’s List every semester, the 2024-2025 Martha Barnes Scholarship, the Fall 2025 Take a Chance at VSU Scholarship, the 2025- 2026 Hugh C. Bailey Family Scholarship, and the Best Biology Poster Award at VSU’s 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium. She was a Zell Miller Scholar. After graduation Price plans to continue her education at the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy and pursue a career as a nutrition support pharmacist. When asked about her biggest supporters, Price said she was thankful for “my friends and family who have been so supportive throughout my college career, with a special shoutout to Tanner and Jessica. Late nights studying with y’all will always be one of my most cherished memories.” College of Humanities & Social Sciences Ashleigh Rose Wentworth of Alpharetta, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Valdosta State University. She graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice. “Receiving this award as one of the top students in my college at VSU is both humbling and meaningful,” she said. “Reflecting on my undergraduate journey, I am proud of the growth, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped who I am today. This honor feels like a result of years of dedication, perseverance, and support from mentors, peers, and family. As I close this chapter, I am grateful for my VSU experience and excited to carry these lessons forward into the future.” As a student at VSU, Wentworth volunteered with Church House Valdosta and was an active member of Awakening Collegiate Fellowship, a Valdosta college ministry where she served as a women’s ministry intern. She conducted research on AI usage in classrooms with Dr. Meagan Wood Hopkins, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Science, and presented her findings at the university’s 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium. Her commitment to academic, research, and service excellence resulted in her earning Dean’s List honors every semester and the 2026 Outstanding Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Student Award. She was a Zell Miller Scholar. Wentworth plans to continue her education at VSU and pursue a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her goal is to someday work in the human resources field. Her supportive family includes parents Joy and Bill Wentworth; siblings Ellie Wentworth, Emilia Wentworth, and Owen Wentworth; grandparents Patricia Wentworth and Jack and Sue Lipscomb; and friend Emma Ham.
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