RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (April 22, 2008)--Leslie Miller of Clarksville and Ross White of Alma were named the most outstanding graduating seniors at Arkansas Tech during the university’s 2008 Senior Leadership Recognition Banquet at the Chambers Cafeteria East Dining Hall on Monday night.
Miller received the Margaret Young Award, given annually to the most outstanding graduating female student. White was presented with the Alfred J. Crabaugh Award, which goes to the most outstanding graduating male student every year.
The daughter of Susan and Jerry Miller of Clarksville, Miller is the Arkansas Tech Student Government Association (SGA) president for 2007-08. She is majoring in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and will earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tech in May after only three years of study.
Miller is a former chairperson for the Tech SGA Volunteer Action Committee, and she was recognized by the American Red Cross for her efforts in volunteerism. Miller was Miss Tech 2007 and represented Arkansas Tech in the Miss Arkansas Pageant.
A 2005 graduate of Clarksville High School, Miller also worked on the Arka Tech student newspaper, as a resident assistant for the Tech Office of Residential Life and as a student worker in the Tech University Relations Office. She is a member of Delta Zeta, the Tech Loyalty Fund Class of 2008 Committee and the Presidential Leadership Cabinet.
“I’m very excited, and I was also very surprised,” said Miller. “Just to know that all of the work that I have done here at Tech was recognized in this way makes me even more proud. It’s sad to go, but it’s easier to leave knowing that I made some kind of contribution.
“Coming to Arkansas Tech University was the best decision I’ve ever made,” continued Miller. “It’s really made me into the person that I am today because of the opportunities that it gave me, the leadership experiences and the academic experiences. I’ll be very proud to soon call myself an alumna of Tech, and I plan to stay involved with the university.”
Miller is engaged to fellow Arkansas Tech student Zach Harris of Alma. They will be married on May 17.
White, a business education major, is president of the Arkansas Tech Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization. The Tech SIFE team won a regional championship in March and will represent the university at the SIFE National Competition May 13-15 in Chicago, Ill.
White is the son of Marilyn and Bill Yates of Alma and Nikki and Russell White of Alma. He has been active in both the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board during his four years at Arkansas Tech. He is currently chairperson for the SAB Comedy and Variety Acts Committee.
A 2004 graduate of Alma High School, White is a member of the Arkansas Tech School of Business Student Advisory Board and the Tech Loyalty Fund Class of 2008 Committee. He has served as treasurer for Alpha Phi Omega and as a resident assistant for the Tech Office of Residential Life.
“Words don’t even describe it,” said White upon receiving the Alfred J. Crabaugh Award. “It’s something that is unexpected. I just came here to get my education and try to have some fun while doing it. Getting involved was the way to have fun.
“Arkansas Tech has been a place of growth for me,” continued White. “I came here as a shy freshman. Getting involved with Student Government Association, Student Activities Board and being a resident assistant really made me a more active person and a better leader. I think it has developed me to the point that I can become a future leader for my community.”
White is engaged to 2007 Tech graduate Maegan Gray of Alma. They will be married on June 14.
