The honor recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, and a deep commitment to the university and broader community.
The university also recognized 10 Outstanding Senior finalists during the Leadership Awards Ceremony, along with naming Golden Gorillas.
Austin Parrish has distinguished himself academically with a 4.0 GPA and outside the classroom through extensive campus and community involvement.
A member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Parrish served as Battalion Commander of Pitt State ROTC, mentoring and instructing underclassmen while helping shape the next generation of military leaders.
He was named Cadet of the Year in 2023 and 2025, earned the Silver ROTC Medal, received the Golden Gorilla Award, and is graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Following graduation, Parrish plans to commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, with aspirations of attending either the Army–Baylor program at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, or Southwest Baptist University in Springfield, Missouri.
Parrish’s academic work focused on the practical application of exercise science principles in both clinical and military environments. His undergraduate projects included comparative research on rotator cuff rehabilitation protocols and an in-depth analysis of the physiological demands of the Army Fitness Test.
He also designed and implemented targeted aerobic and anaerobic training programs for ROTC cadets who had previously failed the AFT, strengthening his skills in program design, data interpretation, and performance assessment.
Parrish was a student assistant in the University Development office since 2022, assisting with donor engagement and campus events. He also served as a referee in southwest Missouri and as a small group leader at The Homestead.
His campus involvement included membership in the Honors College, Lambda Sigma Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, Circle K International, and Advancement Ambassadors.
He volunteered for the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and numerous campus and community events. In 2024, Parrish participated in the Pitt State Pre-Health study abroad trip to Belize, helping establish medical clinics in San Ignacio and surrounding villages. The clinics provided essential screenings and medical supplies while immersing students in the nation’s culture and history.
“Service has been the foundation of my college experience and a guiding influence in my future career,” Parrish said. “Pittsburg State has provided meaningful opportunities to serve others, pursue academic excellence, and grow as a leader.”
Taylor Phalen is graduating with a 3.92 GPA, completing her degree a year early while balancing rigorous academics, leadership roles, and extensive service. A Biology major with a Chemistry minor, Phalen has prepared for a career in medicine through both hands-on clinical experience and global learning opportunities.
After graduation, Phalen will participate in a Biology study abroad trip to Belize, providing clinic care to underserved populations. She then will begin medical school at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she hopes to pursue a specialty in OBGYN or pediatric care.
Phalen has worked as a patient care technician at Overland Park Regional Medical Center since 2023 and as a medical scribe for Dr. Mindy Garner since 2024, gaining firsthand experience in patient care and clinical decision-making.
Her leadership and campus involvement are extensive. Phalen has been a leader in the Honors College Association, Pre-Med Club, Biology Club, Chemistry Club, Pitt Pals, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Panhellenic Council. She is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and Women in STEM. She was named a University Scholar, earning All A Scholastic Honors and Dean’s Scholastic Honors, and was selected for Homecoming Top 12 Royalty.
Through Alpha Gamma Delta, she supported initiatives focused on fighting hunger, including The Lord’s Diner and campus-wide service events. She also volunteered with Natural Ties, serving community members with disabilities and fostering inclusive experiences. Additional volunteer work included events such as the ALS 5K, Via Christi Village, The Big Event, and Trunk or Treat.
Phalen’s global perspective was further shaped through study abroad experiences in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. As a member of Student Ambassadors, she led weekly campus tours for prospective and incoming students, helping them feel welcome and informed.
“What you put in is what you get out,” Phalen said. “Through academics, service, and involvement, I leave Pittsburg State prepared for the next step and confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact.”
A Criminal Justice and Spanish major from Springdale, Arkansas, who was active in several campus organizations including Students for Violence Prevention and Student Government Association, volunteered in the community, and was a resident assistant in University Housing & Residence Life. Billingsley is seeking a job in victim advocacy or Title IX in the Kansas City area.
An Early Childhood Unified and Spanish major from Pittsburg, who worked for the SEK Interlocal and the Family Resource Center, taught in an after-school program at George Nettles Elementary, earned several university awards, and was an active campus leader. Castaneda has accepted a first-grade dual-language teaching position in Carthage, Missouri.
A Nursing major from Vinita, Oklahoma, who was active in campus organizations including Kansas Association of Nursing Students and Student Government Association, earned several campus honors, and volunteered at local charities. Garland has accepted a position in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa.
A Biology and Communication major from Girard who held several leadership roles in Student Government Association, worked as a resident assistant, was part of Honors College, and was active in university honor societies. Humble will be starting graduate school with the goal of earning a master’s in higher education.
A Graphic Communications major from Girard who has worked in the Writing Center, for the Collegio student newspaper and Kanza yearbook, and in several volunteer capacities in the community. Kunshek built a website for The Big Event and for the Collegio, and plans to move to Spain to work in website development/graphic design.
An Elementary Education Unified major from Pittsburg who worked as a substitute teacher, at Camp Now and Then, and at the Family Resource Center; was active in community service for numerous organizations; earned several university honors, and was an active leader in Circle K, the university branch of Kiwanis. Morey plans to find a teaching position in the region and pursue a master’s degree in ESOL.
A Communication major from Olathe who coordinated event reservations at the Overman Student Center; provided strategic communications assistance to a local business, to local events, and to the Honors College; and was a leader in Alpha Sigma Alpha. Owens plans to return to the Kansas City area to work in marketing.
A Biology major from Olathe who has worked as a CNA, a patient care technician, and a therapist scribe for healthcare centers; has been active as a campus leader in Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and honor societies; and was a member of the Pitt State Dance Team. Pruett plans to begin graduate school this fall to become a physician assistant.
A Communication major from Shawnee who worked for Pitt State Theatre, as a teaching assistant, and for the City of Shawnee; was a member of Women’s Track and Field, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Honors College, and several honor societies; and won several campus awards. Sogaard graduated in December and began a master’s in Communication in January.
A Social Work and Political Science major from Pittsburg who interned with Child Protective Services and worked as a special education para; raised $5,000 for the local food bank Wesley House; was active in student and community organizations; and helped register more than 300 students to vote. Zerr will attend Washburn Law this fall.
The Golden Gorilla Award recognizes those junior and non-graduating senior students who have made exemplary contributions in community service, academic excellence and campus involvement.
Applicants are nominated by faculty, staff, and student organization presidents.
Sarah Best from McCune is majoring in Business Education.
Maggie Brungardt from Wellsville is majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Public Policy, Political Science, and Psychology.
Alice Carnahan from Parsons is majoring in Human Communication and minoring in Public Policy.
Bradley Easterday from Junction City is majoring in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminology and minoring in Geographic Information Systems and Finance.
Emma Gabrielle Eckstein from Frontenac is majoring in Management and minoring in Accounting, Public Health, and Dance.
Noah Freiburger from Verona, Missouri is majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.
Sophie Gascich from Ottawa is majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.
Landry George from Pleasanton is majoring in Nursing and minoring in Public Health.
Indiana Grotheer from Pittsburg is majoring in Elementary Education Unified K–6 and minoring in Psychology.
Jared Harlan from Franklin is majoring in Social Work.
Brynlee Hollingsworth from Webb City, Missouri is majoring in Finance with a Financial Services Certificate and an Internal Audit Certificate and minoring in Accounting.
Maddox Johnson from Humboldt is majoring in Biology and Chemistry and minoring in Psychology.
Karly Kill from Howard is majoring in Construction Engineering Technology.
You E Kry from Cambodia is majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Data Science and Information Systems.
Rylee Liermann from Omaha is majoring in Accounting and minoring in Fraud Examination and Internal Audit.
Jade Meade from Paola is majoring in Nursing and minoring in Public Health.
Hallacy Miller from Mulvane is majoring in Recreation Services and Sport and Hospitality Management and minoring in Leadership Studies.
Emory Morgan from Olathe is majoring in Nursing and minoring in Spanish.
Parker Neely from Columbus is majoring in Polymer Chemistry and minoring in Physical Science, Philosophy, and Psychology.
Bethany Overmiller from Tonganoxie is majoring in Family and Consumer Science Education.
Grace Pelfrey from Hartman is majoring in Nursing. Grace could not be with us due to a family obligation.
Aubrey Peters from Olathe is majoring in Exercise Science.
Zoe Prothee from Osawatomie is majoring in Graphic Communications and minoring in Communications and Information Systems.
Hannah Reilly from Wichita is majoring in Career and Technical Education and Wood Product Manufacturing and minoring in Spanish. Hannah could not be with us today as she is representing Pitt State at the Architectural Woodwork Institute Spring Leadership conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Maggie Salsbury from Maize is majoring in Human Resource Development and minoring in Spanish and Psychology.
Carlie Schill from Clearwater is majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Nutrition and Health.
Jacob Steeves from Wamego is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy.
Reese Stucky from Moundridge is majoring in Accounting and Finance.
Lane Sullivan from Frontenac is majoring in Nursing.
Ellison Whitlow from Augusta is majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Strategic Communication and minoring in English and Human Resource Development.
