MSU Beta Gamma Sigma awards scholarships to top students
Morehead State University’s chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for business students at AACSB-accredited institutions, is celebrating the achievements of two outstanding students.
Alexa Utley, a senior from Henderson, and Makaila Livingood, a senior from Paris, have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Beta Gamma Sigma Matching Scholarship and Gold Award Scholarship, respectively.
The scholarships, totaling $2,500, were made possible by MSU’s BGS chapter earning the prestigious Highest Honors designation for the 2023-24 academic year and the Outstanding Gold Chapter Award in 2025. These national recognitions are given to chapters that demonstrate exceptional commitment to Beta Gamma Sigma’s core values of honor, wisdom, and earnestness.
“We are thrilled to support these outstanding students through our Matching Scholarship Program,” said Chair of Business Administration & Professor of Management/Entrepreneurship Dr. Janet Ratliff (Class of 1991, 1992).
Utley, recipient of the $1,000 Matching Scholarship, is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. She serves as BGS vice president-elect for the upcoming academic year and has made significant contributions to the chapter. Utley volunteered as a judge during the regional Future Business Leaders of America competition, helped organize a hiring manager panel for business students, and supported new member tapping efforts for MSU’s BGS chapter.
Livingood, recipient of the $1,500 Gold Award Scholarship, is pursuing dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship and Computer Information Systems. Currently serving as BGS vice president and incoming president, Livingood has been instrumental in the chapter’s success. Her contributions include leading and preparing meetings, volunteering at the FBLA competition, facilitating the hiring manager panel, coordinating a youth book drive as part of BGS Gives Back, and assisting in new member induction.
"Both recipients exemplify the academic excellence and leadership potential that Beta Gamma Sigma stands for, and we are confident they will continue to make significant contributions to our academic community," said Dean and Associate Professor of Management Dr. Johnathan Nelson.
Both Utley and Livingood rank in the top 10% of their classes and were selected based on academic merit, financial need, community involvement, and alignment with BGS values. As part of the selection process, each student submitted a personal essay reflecting what Beta Gamma Sigma means to them and how the scholarship will support their academic journey.
“Both students are outstanding and will continue to aid the College of Business, campus, and local communities as they continue their academic career,” said Faculty Advisor and Associate Professor Dr. Christy L. Trent (Class of 2006). “I hope they are proud of their accomplishments. I know I certainly am proud of them and proud to work with them.”
For more information about Beta Gamma Sigma and its scholarship programs, contact bgshonors@betagammasigma.org.
To learn more about programs in the Smith College of Business & Technology, email cbt@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2174.
