Baptist University Honors Students with the Inaugural Hartley Awards
On Thursday, September 25th, the Blue Healer Success Center (BHSSC) proudly hosted the first-ever Hartley Awards in the Campus Hub Gym. The event brought together students, their families, faculty, deans, and university leadership for an evening of recognition and celebration.
As names were called, students walked across the stage to the cheers of proud parents, peers, and mentors. The joy and pride in the room were undeniable. Every honoree represented not only personal achievement but also resilience, determination, and the spirit of the Blue Healer community.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The Hartley Awards recognized students who achieved placement on the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring and Summer 2025 trimesters.
- President’s List: Awarded to students who completed at least 12 credit hours (9 in Completion Degree programs) with a 4.0 GPA and no incomplete grades.
- Dean’s List: Awarded to students who completed at least 12 credit hours (9 in Completion Degree programs) with a GPA between 3.50 and 3.99.
These awards represent the highest levels of academic achievement and dedication to excellence.
Rise and Thrive Award
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rise and Thrive Award, presented by the BHSSC. This award honors a student who has demonstrated:
- Significant academic improvement
- Resilience in the face of challenges
- Strong engagement with BHSSC support resources
Each Academic Success Coach nominated one student from their caseload for consideration. Nominees stood out for their growth in areas such as improved academic performance, overcoming personal obstacles, consistent communication, and embracing a growth mindset.
Reflections from the Event
“The Hartley Awards was more than an event—it was a chance to pause and reflect on the excellence of our students. Every name called was a story of resilience, and I was so proud to witness it. The excitement of parents and supporters cheering on their students was moving. I am grateful for Dr. Cunningham’s leadership and for our amazing Blue Healer Student Success team who share the vision of recognizing student achievement. My hope is that students left feeling proud, appreciated, and inspired to continue excelling, while motivating their peers to strive for excellence as well.”
— Quianna Jenkins, Organizer & BHSSC Academic Coach
The Hartley Awards marked a new tradition at the university; one that celebrates academic perseverance, community support, and the belief that every Blue Healer can rise and thrive.
Rise and Thrive Honorees:
- KennEisha Bobo- NUR
- Hank Harville- NMT
- Bonita Jackson- POH
- Jaxson Thomas- NUR
- Keevy Collier- NUR
- Sharon Hedges- NUR
- Ntirengahyi Karamba- NUR
- Orabelys Thomas- RCA
- Victoria Steverson- NUR
For a full list of honorees, please visit: