Morehead State Celebrates Student Excellence at 2026 Student Choice Awards

Morehead State University recognized the outstanding achievements of students, organizations, faculty and staff during the 2026 Student Choice Awards, an annual celebration of leadership, service, school spirit and campus impact.

The awards, selected by the student body, highlight individuals and groups who exemplify MSU's values and contribute meaningfully to campus life.

Among the top honors, Melisa Patrick (Class of 1983), director of student activities and programs, was named Staff Member of the Year in recognition of her dedication to supporting students and enhancing the campus experience. Dr. Janet Ratliff (Class of 1991, 1992), professor of management/entrepreneurship and chair of the Department of Business Administration, received the Faculty Member of the Year award, honoring her commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The following MSU faculty members earned the prestigious Apple Award for Educational Excellence:

• Dr. Jason Adkins - Coordinator of Education Abroad and Associate Professor of Political Science
• David Barber (Class of 1983) - Instructor of Business Administration
• Dr. Bernadette Barton - Professor of Sociology and Director of Gender Studies
• Dr. Mark Blankenbuehler - Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry
• Dr. Darrin DeMoss (Class of 1989, 1991) - Professor of Biology
• Dr. Noëlie Frix - Assistant Professor of Political Science
• Dr. Constance Hardesty - Department Chair & Associate Professor of Sociology
• Dr. Melissa Mefford - Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry
• Christopher Nunley, JD (Class of 2016) - Assistant Professor of Legal Studies
• Dr. Timothy Simpson (Class of 1995) - Professor of Education and Chair of the Department of Foundational and Graduate Studies in Education

The awards also recognized student organizations for their contributions to campus engagement and community building. The MSU Pep Club earned Outstanding Small Organization of the Year, while MSU 4‑Paws was named Outstanding Large Organization of the Year for its significant outreach and service efforts.

In athletics, MSU celebrated the exceptional performance and leadership of two student-athletes on and off the field. Hayden Bell, a senior actuarial mathematics major and MSU Rifle student-athlete from Bixby, Oklahoma, won Male Athlete of the Year. Addison Hill, a sophomore legal studies major from Lancaster and MSU Cross Country and Track & Field student-athlete, was named Female Athlete of the Year.

Several awards recognized individuals who embody MSU spirit and advocacy:

• Hope Lanham, junior media production & journalism major from Harrodsburg, received the MSU Spirit Award for her enthusiasm and pride in the University community.
• Owen Marcum, a sophomore radiology major from Ashland and the SGA secretary of Internal Affairs, was honored with the Eagle Advocate Award for his commitment to standing for and supporting fellow students.

The Award for Emerging Student Leader of the Year was presented to Claire Holbrook, a sophomore general management major from Olive Hill. Madison Werner (Class of 2026), a veterinary science graduate from Georgetown, was named Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, recognizing her significant contributions to campus leadership and student engagement.

The Student Government Association also recognized exceptional representatives for their service and leadership. Claire Holbrook was also named New Representative of the Year, while Megan Shirley, a junior biomedical sciences major from Cave City, earned Representative of the Year honors.

"The Student Choice Awards showcase the incredible impact our students, faculty, staff and organizations have on the MSU community," said Dr. Todd Harris, vice president for student affairs and SGA advisor. "These honorees exemplify leadership, service and excellence, and their contributions help shape a vibrant campus environment where all students can thrive."

The evening also included the swearing in of the 2026-27 SGA Officers:

• President: Molly Boyd, senior nursing major, Prestonsburg
• Vice President: Elizabeth Dalton, senior community support services major, Somerset
• Secretary of Internal Affairs: Owen Marcum, sophomore radiology major, Ashland
• Secretary of Public Relations: Mary Claire Sims, sophomore accounting major, Owensboro
• Secretary of Campus Involvement: Claire Holbrook, sophomore general management major, Olive Hill

The Student Choice Awards, hosted by the Student Government Association each year, continue to serve as a cornerstone event celebrating the vibrancy, leadership and excellence that define the MSU experience.

For more information about MSU's Student Government Association, email sga@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2071.