Lee University awarded 14 freshmen from various disciplines with the Hicks Scholarship, which is awarded at the end of the freshman year to the most outstanding student in a given discipline, determined by that discipline's faculty. The funds are applied during the student's sophomore year.
“I was delighted to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of this year’s Hicks Scholars,” said Dr. Lorinda Roberts, assistant professor of youth and family ministry and director of First Year Programs. “These students exhibited exceptional commitment and focus to their discipline in their first year at Lee, and we consider it an honor to celebrate each of them. We look forward to supporting these students as they continue in their studies and prepare to make an impact in this world.”
The scholarship is given in memory of the late B.L. Hicks, a long-time pastor and member of Lee's Board of Directors. His daughter, Dorcas Headley, gave the money for the scholarships and named them in his memory. B.L. Hicks Hall, an apartment-style residence hall on Lee's campus, was also named in memory of Reverend Hicks.
"To be named the recipient of the Hicks Scholarship is an answer to prayer,” said Reagan Philbeck, a political science major from Monroe, Michigan. “I'm so honored to be recognized by my faculty advisors as more than just a student, but as a capable member of the political science community. I am so excited for this opportunity, as I know it will help me serve this school and this department better."
The 2023 Hick Scholars are Hannah Bradford, mathematics major from Belle Haven, Virginia; Sarah Briggs, special education, comprehensive disabilities major from Cookeville, Tennessee; Harrison Brown, information systems major from Ringgold, Georgia; Tabitha Busch, studio production major from Landing, New Jersey; Jayli Corbett, sociology major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Hannah Gravitt, psychology major from Ooltewah, Tennessee; Jessie Henderson, history and studio production double major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Jessie Holsombeck, biological science major from Chelsea, Alabama; Ruthie Kirby, English writing major from Cottontown, Tennessee; Courtney Peterson, exercise science major from Knoxville, Tennessee; Kira Phelps, psychology major with a Spanish minor from Cleveland, Tennessee; Reagan Philbeck; Dominik Saez, interdisciplinary studies major from Cleveland, Tennessee; and Ella Sizemore, business administration and accounting major
from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.