Rachel JoNay Robinson, August Tunstall Arnold, Jordyn Arianna Stewart, and Gracen V. Deerman receive the Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence from UWA Provost Dr. Tina N. Jones during spring 2025 commencement exercises at UWA. submitted photo

Four outstanding graduates, Rachel JoNay Robinson of Pleasant Grove, Alabama; August Tunstall Arnold of Greensboro, Alabama; Jordyn Arianna Stewart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Gracen V. Deerman of West Blocton, Alabama, received the University of West Alabama’s top graduating student award.

Presented by the Provost during a May 9 ceremony, the Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence is given to the student having the most outstanding scholastic record among all students receiving baccalaureate degrees at UWA since the preceding commencement. The award is named in honor of Dr. Ralph M. Lyon, a longtime professor, and administrator at the University.

Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English; Arnold earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cell & molecular biology; and Stewart and Deerman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in integrated marketing communications.