Dr. Tom Copeland, director of the Hardin-Simmons University Honors Program, announced the names of the first Leland Scholars. The four freshmen are the first to benefit from the bequest of HSU alumna June Frost Leland. Of students who apply for and receive the $6,000 Presidential or Dean’s Scholarship, 15 top scholars are selected for the University Honors Program and receive an additional $2,000. The four Leland Scholars receive an additional $5,000 based upon incoming academic record. The total yearly benefit to the Leland Scholars is $13,000. For a student taking a 12-hour per semester load, this is essentially a “full ride” scholarship.

The 2006-2007 Leland Scholars are: Samantha Chevrie, of Abilene; Stephanie Harvell, of Derby, Kansas; Jacob Snowden, of Midlothian; and Krista Toten, of Joshua.

Samantha Chevrie

Stephanie Harvell

Jacob Snowden

Krista Toten

June Frost Leland, a 1940 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, Six White Horses rider, philanthropist, and Ruidoso, New Mexico, resident, surprised HSU with the largest single gift ever received by the University. A significant portion of the bequest was dedicated to the Honors Program. “The establishment of the Leland Scholars endowment for the Honors Program at Hardin-Simmons University will allow us to compete each year for larger numbers of top academic performers; by recruiting such students we will also elevate the academic quality of the classroom experiences of every student and faculty member on our campus,” comments Dr. Turner, university president.

June Frost Leland

The 11 students selected for the Honors Program in addition to the Leland Scholars are:
Allison Baskin, of Stratford; Alana Culp, of Hermleigh; Jeff Davis, of Abilene; Ashleigh Gallaway, of The Woodlands; Bronwyn Hill, of Rockwall; Travis Ingels, of Ruidoso, New Mexico; Emily Jones, of Snyder; Amy Kuykendall, of Weatherford; Kaela Parnell, of Carrollton; Cammie Jo Smallwood, of Bedford; Jeremy Stock, of Abilene, and Mary Elizabeth Walker of Stamford.

Students admitted to the Honors Program receive an honors scholarship for each semester, as long as they are in good standing in the program. The HSU Honors Program provides an enriched educational environment for undergraduate students of exceptional promise who have a wide variety of interests and seek an enhanced learning opportunity. In keeping with the University’s Christian mission, the Honors Program promotes creative and critical thinking skills to equip individuals for success in today’s world.