JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Arkansas State University celebrated its annual Distinguished Service Awards ceremony Thursday evening, highlighting the remarkable achievements of its students.

Among the prestigious accolades presented was the R. E. Lee Wilson Award, a symbol of excellence and service.

The distinguished recipient of this year’s R. E. Lee Wilson Award is Natan Gomez, presented by Perry Wilson, the great-great-grandson of R. E. Lee Wilson.

Gomez’s exceptional academic record, marked by a cumulative grade point average of 4.0, stands as a testament to his dedication and scholarly prowess.

Throughout his tenure at A-State, Gomez consistently earned recognition, including placement on the Chancellor’s List for all four years.

Gomez will graduate from A-State in May with a degree in biotechnology from the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics. He was selected from a group of six DSA winners honored at the ceremony.

Reflecting on the significance of the award, Natan Gomez remarked, “The biggest meaning is, my service, my awards, they had an impact on people. They changed people’s perspectives and people’s lives. At the end of the day, that was the most rewarding thing in college, was the friends that I made and the people that I impacted. So, that really is what the medal represents to me.”

Other DSA honorees included Bailey Blackmon of Perryville, Christopher L. Crutchfield of North Little Rock, Ann Long of Cape Girardeau, Mo., William “Garrett” Partain of Lepanto, and Khushi Singh of Bryant.

The R. E. Lee Wilson Award, presented annually, recognizes Arkansas State University’s most outstanding graduating senior. Recipients are chosen based on their exemplary character, unwavering determination, active involvement, and exceptional academic achievements.

The names of Wilson Award winners are permanently listed on a display outside Centennial Hall in the Carl R. Reng Student Union.

Previous Wilson Award recipients formed a Wilson Fellows Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association that has funded a scholarship program. Wilson Award winners receive a post-graduate scholarship from the chapter to be used for additional education after graduation from A-State.

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