Deason Named Outstanding Senior in Behavioral and Social Sciences, Scholarship Winners Announced

May 19, 2020

Dannie Deason has been named the 2019-20 Outstanding Senior in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The Division is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at OBU. She was informed of her award by a Zoom call with Dr. Bret Roark, chair of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Ralph and Marie Barby Chair and professor of psychology.

Awards for outstanding seniors in all Colleges and Divisions are typically presented during a special awards chapel at the conclusion of the spring semester. With the awards chapel event not being held this year due to the University’s move to distance learning, these students are instead being recognized through announcements via the University website and social media channels.

The awards for outstanding seniors in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences are selected based on scholarship, leadership, work ethic, campus involvement and community involvement.

Deason is graduating summa cum laude with college honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history. She excelled in the honors program and wrote a thesis on presidential power. She played a key role in reviving OBU’s delegation to the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature. She has also served as speaker in OBU’s Student Government Association.

The Division of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences also announced scholarship winners for the upcoming academic year.

Rachael Von Dollen received the L. and W. East scholarship, while Alex O’Steen was honored with the Jeske Scholarship. Hannah Fraaken won the Coleman Scholarship.

The Alma and Wayne Young Scholarship was earned by Keegan Caldwell, history major, and  Amber Rodriguez, political science. Keegan Caldwell received the Kerr Memorial Scholarship while Dannie Deason won the R. and S. Prize in American Constitutional Law.

Avery Miller was selected for the William and Maxine Dougherty Scholarship, and Canyon McGee received the J. and O. Cox Scholarship in Political Science. The Katherine Fortenberry Memorial Scholarship also went to Canyon McGee.

Emma Busby received the Corbitt Rushing Memorial Scholarship and Zachary Hill earned the John Eighmy American History Award. Janai Albertson won the Varnum Scholarship.

The Oteka Wilson Little Scholarship went to both Kristin Brown and Bailey Jennings. The Lorennie Bateman Scholarship was awarded to Bailey Jennings, Grace Fairlie, Emma Whiteaker, Mackenzie Knox, Alexandra O’Steen, Sahara Wiles, Lily Jackson, Mallory White, Rebekah Parr, Jonathan White and Rayann Williams.

Talesa Wilson received the Jerry and Oteka Ball Family Scholarship. Corbin Sanderson received the Lorennie Bateman Scholarship for 2019-20.