The Department of Community and Leadership Development Celebrates Students and Graduating Class at Annual Academic Showcase Event.

On May 8, 2025, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Department of Community and Leadership Development celebrated its annual Academic Showcase event. The event was a resounding success, highlighting the achievements and scholarly excellence of its graduating students.

The showcase provided a platform for students to present their research, projects, and accomplishments to faculty, peers, and community members. It was an inspiring evening filled with presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.

A highlight of the event was the honoring of graduating students, who were recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout their academic journey. Various individual awards for scholarly excellence were presented, celebrating the exceptional contributions and achievements of these students.

Dr. Wes Harrison, the department chair, expressed his pride in the students' accomplishments, stating, "We are proud of all our students, and as you will learn as the evening progresses, we have good reason to be proud.”

The event concluded with a reception and gathering of students and family’s on the deck overlooking Kroger Field, allowing attendees to celebrate and reflect on the students' achievements. The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment continues to foster a supportive and enriching environment for its students, preparing them to become leaders in their fields.

Congratulations to all the graduating students and award recipients for their outstanding achievements!  Below is a list of Awards, Academic Excellence, and graduates in each of our CLD programs:

Agricultural Education and Advocacy:

Liliana Garcia – Outstanding Freshman in Agriculture Education Award

Jesse Fulkerson – Outstanding Sophomore in Agricultural Education Award

Hadley Hill – Outstanding Junior in Agricultural Education Award

Casey Montgomery – Outstanding Senior in Agricultural Education Award

Students receiving AgEd Academic Excellence Medals 

Amelia Durr—Summa Cum Laude (3.9 GPA) 

Josie Kurtz—Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA)

Morgynne Lunsford—Summa Cum Lauda (4.0 GPA)

Casey Montgomery—Summa Cum Lauda (3.9 GPA)

Logan Peters—Summa Cum Lauda (4.0 GPA)

Gage Tucker – Summa Cum Lauda (3.9 GPA)

Madison Wilmoth—Summa Cum Lauda (3.9 GPA)

Meredith Chance—Cum Lauda (above 3.5 GPA)

Izzy Higgins—Cum Lauda (above 3.5 GPA)

Agricultural Education and Advocacy Class of 2025

Masters of CLD Awards

Reba Prather – Outstanding Teacher Award

Ruth Toole – Outstanding Thesis Award

Jamari Turner – Outstanding Creative Component

Ruth Toole – Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award

CLD Master’s Degree Graduates 2025

CLD Undergraduate Awards

Tristan Young - CLD Outstanding Freshman Award

Anna Goddard - CLD Outstanding Sophomore Award 

Anaya Ali - CLD Outstanding Junior Award 

Lily Banford – CLD Outstanding Junior Award

Megan Bradley - CLD Outstanding Senior Award 

Gavin Cooper - Spirit of CLD Award 

Students receiving CLD Academic Excellence Medals 

Megan Bradley – Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA)

Gavin Cooper – Summa Cum Laude

Cole Lanter – Summa Cum Laude

Chloe Cole – Magna Cum Laude

Lyles Goodson – Magna Cum Laude

Liz Rock – Magna Cum Laude

Ellie Cox – Cum Laude

Thomas Paglio – Cum Laude

Graham Pickering – Cum Laude

Community and Leadership Development Class of 2025