Fulton receives prestigious Wilson Award

Gregory Kyle Fulton

Gregory Kyle Fulton of Jonesboro, a senior at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, was recently named the recipient of the R. E. Lee Wilson Award for 2008-2009 at the 76th annual Student Honors Awards ceremony in the student union auditorium.

Fulton is the 123rd recipient of the award and was chosen by unanimous vote of the Student Honors Selection Committee. The committee, comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni, makes several selections for recipients of the Distinguished Service Award from nominations by faculty, advisers to student organizations, and other members of the ASU community.

One member from the winners of the Distinguished Service Award is then selected as the Wilson Award winner, the university's highest honor to a graduating senior. This year, 23 students were nominated for a Distinguished Service Award.

The Wilson Award, ASU's most prestigious student award, is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating senior. The committee's selection from among the nominees is based upon character, determination, involvement and academic achievement, as well as leadership in organizations and activities of general campus significance.

Fulton is a native of Jonesboro in Craighead County, and is the son of Ronald and Loretta Fulton of Jonesboro. He majors in biology pre-professional and Spanish through both the College of Mathematics and Sciences and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

He is the grandson of Virgil and Betty Cockrell of Lepanto and the late Lyle Fulton and Mrs. Edith Fulton of Trumann, formerly of Lepanto.

Fulton will graduate In Honors, and has been named to the President's List and Chancellor's List each semester since his freshman year. He served as public relations director for the ASU Student Government Association, was selected for 'Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities' and was chosen for an intensive language program in Costa Rica where he lived for a month with a family who spoke no English.

In addition to his academic achievements, Fulton has worked 20-40 hours a week since his freshman year as assistant concessions director at the Convocation Center. Among numerous community service activities, he was a volunteer counselor at Camp Aldersgate Medical Camp in Little Rock, was president of Colleges Against Cancer each year while at ASU, chair of the ASU Relay for Life, tutored high school and elementary school students, and coordinated a board game drive to benefit children undergoing cancer treatment at St Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis, collecting more than 250 donations. He will graduate in May with both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Some of those nominating Fulton said: "In the classroom, he has earned the respect of both peers and superiors. In regard to service, he has been tireless in efforts both on and off campus, each representing a sizeable commitment of time and energy. He has demonstrated leadership skills throughout college in a diversified manner."

"His ability to listen and connect to peers, faculty and staff rise above other members of his group, leading by example and motivating others through dedication to completing projects thoroughly and with never-ending humor."

"While busy working in a fast-paced job and juggling college full time, he stepped up immediately to be president of our organization when we had little participation. It is because of his hard work that we have grown into a respected student organization. As a graduate of ASU, I believe he is exactly the type of individual that I want to represent my alma mater."

The Wilson Award is presented at the annual Student Honors ceremony during Convocation of Scholars Week, and is the highlight of the annual event. The Wilson Awards have been presented since 1934 and are named in honor of R.E. Lee Wilson, a member of the institution's Board of Trustees from 1917 to 1933. Wilson Hall was completed in 1932 with his help. This building, named for Mr. Wilson, is the oldest building on campus and is the site of The Scholar, the symbol used today to portray ASU's mission to educate, enhance and enrich lives.

Wilson was dedicated to ASU's development, and a member of his family has presented the award each year. Perry Wilson of Little Rock, great-great grandson of R. E. Lee Wilson, presented this year's award medallion. Margo Travis AufderHeide, who received the Wilson Award in 1976, presented Fulton a scholarship check from the Wilson Fellows, comprised of past winners, to continue his education.

ASU Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts presented the Distinguished Service Awards, which are based on scholarship, contributions to student life, and involvement in university activities.