Kirsten Norsworthy Freeze Receives 2017 President's Citation

Published: April 13, 2021

Kirsten Norsworthy Freeze 17 is no stranger to high achievement, but bending to serve is also in her nature. The recipient of the 2017 Greenville College Presidents Citation practices servant leadership with grace.

Provost and Chief Operating Officer Edwin Estevez presented Kirsten with the Colleges highest academic honor for graduating seniors at Commencement exercises May 27, 2017.

Kirsten came out on top in grand fashion when she tested for her state teachers license, setting an all-time school record and placing in the top one percent nationally in two categories.

Of all the students tested in the State of Illinois, she also received the only perfect score on the States Assessment of Student Learning.

The McAllaster Honors Scholar co-wrote an article submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. EntitledCollaborating on Web 2.0 Technologies: The Best-Fit Model for the Behavior Intentions of Preservice Teachers, the article demonstrates writing skills that served Kirsten well as editor for the Vista, GCs award-winning student publication.

Kirsten also served as a writing tutor and teachers assistant for a freshman honors writing course and a freshman developmental English course.

I would be thrilled if one day in the future, Kirsten was the classroom teacher for my own children, notes Kirstens faculty advisor and mentor, Associate Professor of Special Education Lisa Amundson. There is not a higher compliment I could give one of my students.

Director of the McAllaster Honors Program John Brittingham says Kirstens maturity, intellect, character and dedication to service have never failed to impress him.

Kirsten is a cut above the other students I have taught . . . [she] not only makes her fellow students better, she also makes her professors raise their game, as she did for me.

Estevez told the audience that next fall, Kirsten will teach children with emotional disabilities in Cahokia, IL, one of the most challenging school districts, working with some of the most challenging students . . . She is embracing a life and vocation of humble service to the least of these.

As a student, Kirsten also served as president of GCs choir and held membership in GCs educational honor society. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Stephanie Huebner and the wife of fellow graduate, Kyle Freeze, also a 2017 graduate.

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