2026 Commencement awards

2026 Commencement Awards

MCALLASTER SCHOLARS

Named in honor of former Greenville Professor of Literature, Elva McAllaster, the McAllaster Scholars Program is Greenville University's honors program. Students who are accepted as McAllaster Scholars must meet several requirements to be graded as McAllaster Scholars, including: Maintenance of a cumulative 3.5 GPA and completion of a unique honors sequence. Students graduating as McAllaster Scholars are identified by a gold medallion suspended from an orange and black neck ribbon. 

President’s Citation Award

Ethan Poole

The President’s Citation Award is Greenville University’s most prestigious academic honor, awarded annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated the highest academic achievement within the context of a Christian liberal arts education.

This year the President’s Citation Award recipient is Ethan Poole from Murray, Utah. He is graduating summa cum laude with a double major in Business Management and Spanish and is a member of the McAllaster Honor’s Program.

Poole was nominated by Professors Jane Bell and Keeli Snow who state, “Ethan is a genuinely curious student who asks thoughtful questions that challenge those around him to think a little deeper. He works hard in all he does, not just for himself, but for the good of others. As a founding member of the men’s gymnastics program, his leadership has helped build a team that is well respected and competitive in the NCAA. Ethan is a young man of integrity and his impact at GU will remain long after he graduates. No doubt he will continue to live out Christ-like character and service, making an impact in the world.”

Professor Kollin Fields adds, “Ethan has been an outstanding student at GU, balancing two majors, the McAllaster Honors Program, and gymnastics. He is eager to learn, takes initiative in his studies, and leads through his actions on campus. But beyond academics, I am prouder of who Ethan is as a person and the ways he will impact the world after his time at GU.”

And his coach, Zach Peters, states, “Ethan has clearly shown a dedication in the classroom with a remarkable GPA and other accolades. This has been a great example for others since the conception of the program. While Ethan has been incredibly consistent in his grades, he has developed and improved dramatically in his gymnastics ability to showcase his dedication and work ethic across all areas. Ethan has been a great student of the sport and has been a Senior Captain that has shaped this program for years to come.”

President’s Award for Character & Service

MADISON ASHFORD

The President’s Award for Character and Service stands among Greenville University’s highest honors, recognizing a graduating senior whose life reflects unwavering Christian character and a deep commitment to serving others. Nominated by faculty and staff, recipients of this award consistently exemplify selflessness, generosity, integrity, and a noble spirit. Their lives bear witness to a faith lived authentically – impacting peers, faculty, and community alike.

This year the President’s Award for Character and Service recipient is Madison Ashford, from Germantown, Illinois. Madison is graduating cum laude with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology and is a member of the Criminal Justice Honor Society.

Ashford was nominated by Professor Shawn Foles who states, “In the time I have known Madison, she has been committed to not only the highest academic achievement she can obtain but committed to helping others. In addition to serving as the starting goalkeeper for the GU Women’s soccer team, Madison maintains a high GPA, is a member of the Criminal Justice Honor Society, and has played a key role in the success of some of her fellow teammates in the classroom. Students within my classes have indicated times in which Madison has selflessly given them her textbooks for classes in the program she has previously taken when she could have sold those back. She has assisted students with helping understand assignments outside of the classroom. I’ve also seen Madison’s faith grow through various assignments in the program from her earliest assignments to her senior level assignments. I know Madison to be someone of high personal integrity, strong moral character, and a generous and selfless person.  I believe Madison possesses the exact type of character and selflessness that I hope for all students at GU to leave the university with, especially those graduating from our Criminal Justice program.”

Associate Vice President of Student Development, Isaac Barber adds, “Madi is a superstar in my book, she revamped our first-year students support by meeting with each student one-on-one and developed for us a solid pedagogy for first-year students. Madi has completely changed how we look at the equity of resources we provide our students. Madi has also volunteered in several areas inside and outside of GU, such as working at the Simple Room and teaching a soccer Bible study.”

Her soccer coach, Jeff Wardlaw, states, “I use Madi as one of the positive examples of faith integration in sports. She had her life, personality, and passions changed while at Greenville. It’s hard not to be inspired by the 180-degree turn in her life. Her discipline and obedience to God’s calling the last 2 years at Greenville was cool to watch. She inspired me and challenged me during our coffee times, and we talk about the Pursuit of Excellence in the team all the time, which she exemplified in everything she did.”

W. Richard Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award

PAUL ALVORD

This year’s award recipient is Professor Paul Alvord, Associate Professor of Education and Division Chair of Education and Social Sciences.

Nominating students included comments such as: Professor Alvord exemplifies every criterion through his passionate, supportive, and faith-integrated approach to preparing future teachers.

With decades of experience—from classroom teaching to principal leadership in St. Louis County public schools—Professor Alvord brings invaluable real-world expertise to Greenville University’s pre-licensure program. His passion is evident not just in teaching, but in the way he mentors and invests deeply in each student’s success.

One student writes, "When I previously failed a student teaching experience, he did not give up on me. Instead, as my new supervisor, he walked me step-by-step through the evaluation rubric. His encouragement, practical guidance, and high expectations—balanced with grace—helped rebuild my confidence and skills, transforming a setback into a meaningful growth experience. This level of personal connection has profoundly impacted me and, I am certain, many other student teachers he mentors."

Professor Alvord also integrates faith and learning seamlessly into his work. His strong Christian commitment is reflected in how he models biblical principles in teaching practices, classroom management, and professional ethics. His active scholarship—through leadership in character education programs and clinical practice direction—demonstrates his dedication to advancing the field while remaining deeply engaged with students.

In short, Professor Alvord bridges public school experience with Christian higher education in innovative ways, supports students through challenges with wisdom and compassion, and fosters excellence rooted in faith. He profoundly shapes the lives of his students and the future of education.

A student states that, "I would not be graduating without his guidance and encouragement, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition." Other quotes about Professor Alvord's character show how he always puts his students first:

• "Professor Paul Alvord is an innovative and passionate educator who consistently brings energy and enthusiasm into the classroom. He is flexible with his lesson plans, often adjusting them in the moment to address topics we are curious about or need more clarity on…he creates an engaging, discussion-based environment that keeps students involved and interested. We get to talk about what we’re interested in, which then grows our communication skills. His excitement for teaching is evident every day, and it makes a meaningful difference in how students experience and learn from his courses."
• "Professor Alvord also builds strong, supportive relationships with his students. He is always willing to answer questions, offer help, and check in on how students are doing, showing that he genuinely cares about our well-being. At the same time, he sets high expectations, encouraging us to strive for excellence and become educators who inspire learning rather than simply assign work. He integrates faith naturally into the classroom through thoughtful discussions and consistently demonstrates a strong Christian commitment in both his teaching and the way he treats others. For example, he has mentioned to the class that it’s harder not to believe in Jesus than it is to believe in him. This has sparked discussion in our class. In addition, Professor Alvord remains active in his own scholarship, bringing fresh ideas and real-world connections into class, which shows his dedication to continuous growth and to providing the best learning experience for his students. Students in Professor Alvord’s class are always excited to learn from him."
• "Professor Alvord truly deserves this award because of the passion, energy, and genuine care he brings into every single class. From the moment you walk in, you can feel that he loves what he does, and it makes you want to be there too. He creates an environment where students are not just sitting and listening, but fully engaged and excited to learn. His positivity is constant, and his smile and bubbly personality make every student feel welcomed and seen. What stands out the most is that his care does not stop when class ends. Even outside of class, Paul takes the time to check in, say hello, and make sure you are doing okay. That kind of support … shows how deeply he values his students as people, not just learners."
• "Professor Alvord also challenges his students to be their best while always supporting them along the way. Paul truly wants every student to succeed, not just in the classroom, but in life. One of the most meaningful things about him is how naturally he integrates faith into learning. It never feels forced. Instead, it feels encouraging and real. Through the things he shares, he has helped me see my life differently."
• "He has reminded me that God has a plan for me, even when I feel unsure or overwhelmed, and that it is okay not to have everything figured out right now. Because of him, I have learned to appreciate the life God has given me and to trust where He is leading me. His strong Christian commitment is clear in everything he does, and the impact he has made on me and so many other students is something that will last far beyond the classroom."