Cameron University has named 20 freshmen Presidential Leaders & University Scholars (PLUS) for the 2015-16 academic year. The PLUS program, now in its 35^th year, is designed to reward students who have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding leadership capabilities while in high school and to teach these students skills that will prepare them for dynamic leadership roles in their respective careers.

“It is a pleasure to welcome these outstanding students as PLUS scholars,” says Jennifer Pruchnicki, Director of Student Development. “Over the next four years, these students will participate in a variety of activities aimed at preparing them for leadership positions throughout their lifetime.”

This year’s recipients come from across Oklahoma and combine a breadth of leadership and community service experiences. In addition to receiving scholarship packages worth more than $20,000, students selected for the program take part in a four-year leadership development program aimed at developing excellent citizens and professionals.

Students are chosen each year based on an application process that focuses on leadership experience, involvement in the community, grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, an essay on the topic of leadership and a formal interview.

PLUS scholars receive leadership training that helps them make the transition from high school to college, learn leadership theory, communication skills, group dynamics and problem solving. In later years of the program, the focus shifts to presentation skills and preparation for beginning a career with such workshops as résumé writing, interviewing and making wise career decisions.

The 2014-15 PLUS class members who have authorized release of their names are listed by hometown and graduating high school. Each student’s intended area of study is also included.

Apache:

Kristen Thompson, Accounting

Burns Flat/Dill City:                         

Kensey Garrison, Criminal Justice

Cache: 

Samantha Nungesser, Communications

Jeremy Patterson, Undecided

Comanche: 

Cody Steele, Computer Science

Davidson:                                         

Karley Patterson, Undecided

Elgin:                

Candice Craig, Biology

Robert Day, Biology

Cody Hervey, Psychology

Shelby Price, Undecided

Elk City:                                            

Justice Villa, Psychology                             

 Grandfield:                                       

Jancy Jeffus, Agriculture

Lawton Eisenhower:                       

Michael Bannon, Physics

Lawton High:                                    

Tiara Amantine, Business Administration

Sabrina Carlson, Psychology

 Edward Muniz, Undecided

Lawton MacArthur:                 

Megan Craig, Sports and Exercise Science

Abbie Wright, Biology

Perry: 

Geoffrey Hogan, Accounting 

Sterling: 

Madeline Jacobi, Undecided

For more information about Cameron’s PLUS program, go to www.cameron.edu/plus.