Atlanta — May 11, 2021

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today honored 26 students who best represent the system’s highest scholastic ideals for Academic Recognition Day 2021. Each of the system’s institutions selected a student with a 4.0 GPA who also reflects the system’s best qualities. These students strive for excellence and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise.

Academic Recognition Day began 33 years ago as a celebration of Georgia students’ academic achievement. The honorees receive a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives along with a letter of commendation from USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley.

The 2021 honorees are as follows:

• Tania Bautista - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
• Alexia Hurston - Albany State University
• Marnita Travis - Atlanta Metropolitan State College
• Ryan Frerichs - Augusta University
• Afzal Yacoob - Clayton State University
• Allison Bennett - College of Coastal Georgia
• Ivey Milam - Columbus State University
• River Sandoval - Dalton State College
• Carley Stapleton - East Georgia State College
• Bertha Knight - Fort Valley State University
• Kendyl Lewis - Georgia College & State University
• La’Nece Strickland - Georgia Gwinnett College
• Chinelo Nwokike - Georgia Highlands College
• Morgan Knowlton - Georgia Institute of Technology
• Katherine Barrs - Georgia Southern University
• Ian Wynn - Georgia Southwestern State University
• Nitheyaa Shree - Georgia State University
• Dequarious Loper - Gordon State College
• Trae Dunn - Kennesaw State University
• Tesia Baker - Middle Georgia State University
• Ja’Mauri Brown - Savannah State University
• Samantha Horton - South Georgia State College
• Phaidra Buchanan - University of Georgia
• Amanda Ash - University of North Georgia
• Sydney Francis - University of West Georgia
• Erik Kacprzyk - Valdosta State University

In his letter of commendation, Chancellor Wrigley congratulated the honorees for achieving academic excellence in spite of challenging circumstances.

“During a difficult academic year, you have seized the opportunity to build upon an incredibly valuable time in your life and lay a foundation for success far beyond your chosen field of study,” Wrigley said. “You did not let the challenges of the pandemic hinder your academic performance, and we celebrate your achievement.”

« News Releases