Honors Graduates Spring 2026

Congratulations to all fourteen of our hard working Honors College spring 2026 graduates! We hope that you continue to accomplish great things in the future and wish you the best of luck with any further academic pursuits! 

Megan Riffe, Rory Lowther, David Scott, Cole Roberts, Malak Bachri, Jenna Holmes, Trilla Richardson, Stormie Stivers (left to right)

Shannon Coppersmith, Jade Dillard, Gunnar Bellinger, Lacy Harlin, Gabrielle Nelson, Madeline Reynolds (left to right)

Guitar Concert and Gallery 2026

The Honors Electric Guitar course's exhibit and concert were a huge hit again this year! This year's honors students worked diligently over the past few months to create one-of-a-kind electric guitars during the Spring 2026 semester. A few students even utilized their instrumental skills at the concert and played along with their self-made guitars. This course really showcases the creativity and resilience that the students in the Honors College possess, across all different kinds of majors. We are thankful to Professor Lambert for instructing the course and for putting together the end of the semester event.  

Two students along with an SAU faculty member get ready for the show

SAU Writing Contest Winners 2026

In the 2026 SAU Writing Contest several Honors College students participated. In the Poetry category, Monet Coppersmith was an Honorable Mention with, "A Love Letter to Life". In Short Fiction, William Ashcraft won first place, and Elizabeth Attebery won second place. In Creative Nonfiction, William Ashcraft won second place and Elizabeth Attebery tied for third with another student. 

All winners submissions are published on Emergence, SAU's student literary journal. 

Honors College congratulates all students in the SAU writing contest 2026! 

Honors Students Named Undergraduate of the Year in College of Science and Engineering

Two honors students received outstanding undergraduate awards from the College of Science and Engineering on May 1, 2026. The Honors College congratulates them for their hard work and achievements! 

    Jenna Holmes receives the award for Outstanding Undergraduate in Biology

Malak Bachri receives the award for Outstanding Undergraduate in CSE

Honors Student Named 2026 Student of the Year

 

Honors Student Madeline Reynolds receives Student of the Year Award for BSS. We are so proud of our students, and their accomplishments!

Madeline Reynolds receives Student of the Year Award

Senior Capstone Project 2026

Honors College Seniors David Scott, Malak Bachri, Zachary Blackwell, Brodie Ghoulson, and Rory Lowther presented their senior capstone projects on April 22, 2026. 

David Scott and his group presented their game, "Splatter Punk". A 3D roller skating game combining creativity and movement through environmental painting.

Honors student David Scott (right) and group members present on their videogame titled "Splatter Punk"

Brodie Ghoulson, Rory Lowther and their group presented,  "CouponAI". Coupon AI uses AI to locate deals with local business and supplies them as needed. 

Honors student Rory Lowther (middle) and group members present on their AI API titled "CouponAI"

Malak Bachri, and Zachary Blackwell along with another student presented, "TaxMind". A privacy- preserving intelligent system to automate the preparation of U. S. federal tax forms.

Honors students Malak Bachri (middle), Zachary Blackwell (right), and group members present on their system titled "TaxMind"

Honors College is very proud of all senior students! 

Arkansas Academy of Science 2026

Biology Honors Students Jenna Holmes (biology poster first place, 5th from the left) and Clayton Collins (biology poster second place, 3rd from the left) were awarded first and second places for their poster presentations at the 109^th Arkansas Academy of Science meeting held at SAU.

Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments! Honors college is proud to have such hard working, and dedicated students!