At last week’s Love Your Mama chapel service, Lee University awarded 14 freshmen from various disciplines with the Hicks Scholarship, an annual academic award given to the most outstanding freshman in a given discipline, determined by that discipline’s faculty. The funds are applied during the student’s sophomore year.  
 
“I was proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s Hicks Scholars,” said Dr. Lorinda Roberts, vice president for student success. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence during their first year at Lee set a strong foundation for future success. We look forward to walking alongside these students as they continue to grow, lead, and serve in impactful ways.” 
 
The 2026 Hicks Scholars are Megan Becker, a political science major from Chattanooga, Tennessee; William Cartwright, a history major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Hailey Foster, a communications major from Columbia, Tennessee; Erika Garcia, a special education major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Charis Hill, an exercise science and secondary education double major from Chattanooga, Tennessee; Jenna Hillrichs, a biological sciences major from Dallas, Texas; Casey Holeman, a global transformation and TESOL major from Franklin, Tennessee; Lela Humphrey, an elementary education major from Baltimore, Maryland; Sydney McCrary, a psychology major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Brenna Patterson, a mathematics major from Adairsville, Georgia; Maysie Stewart, an English major from Tellico Plains, Tennessee; Leslie Teaster, a computer information systems major from Knoxville, Tennessee; McKenna Tew, a business major from Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Isabella Trevino, a sociology major from Cincinnati, Ohio.  
 
“I am so grateful to have received the Hicks Scholarship,” said Stewart. “This past year at Lee has taught me so much, academically and spiritually, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn and foster my relationship with Christ along the way.” 
 
The Hicks Scholarship is given in memory of the late B.L. Hicks, a longtime pastor and member of Lee’s Board of Directors. His daughter, Dorcas Headley, gave the money for the scholarships and named them in his memory. B.L. Hicks Hall, an apartment-style residence hall on Lee’s campus, was also named in memory of Reverend Hicks.   
 
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