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����Թ� Honors College student Maddison Evans, a fifth-year senior double majoring in zoology and English with a minor in creative writing, has been named the 2025–2026 recipient of the Dr. Elizabeth Howard Memorial Honors Scholarship.

Originally from Reimersburg, Pennsylvania, Maddison came to ����Թ� State drawn by its zoology program, pointing out that it was one of few available in the region. While her early focus was on animal science, her passion for writing, which began at an early age, continued to grow during her time at ����Թ�.

“I took Grammar for Editing with Professor Alice Cone, and it kind of made me realize just how much I enjoy the process of editing,” Maddison said. “That class really pushed me toward adding the English major.”

Now in her final year, Maddison has found meaningful ways to bridge her scientific curiosity with her creative pursuits. She serves on the editing team for Brainchild, the Honors College’s award-winning literary and arts magazine, and is co-president of Writer’s Block, ����Թ� State’s creative writing club. She is also a member and officer in Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society.

Maddison credits her involvement in Brainchild with affirming her career goals. “It’s been a great source of experience, not only to put on a résumé but also to confirm that this is what I want to do,” she said. “I’ve always been afraid of finding out too late that I didn’t actually like the work I was studying for—but this has shown me that I love editing and literary work.”

Outside the classroom, Maddison has taken advantage of study abroad opportunities, traveling first to Australia for a biosciences course focused on ecology and evolution, and later to Florence, Italy, where she studied Italian pop culture and creative writing with Professor Cone.

Her academic journey hasn’t been without challenges. Maddison lost a major scholarship through the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation after funding changes, making the Dr. Elizabeth Howard Memorial Honors Scholarship especially meaningful.

“Scholarships like this let me focus on school instead of worrying about money,” Maddison said. “They take away the stress of having to work full-time or take out more loans just to stay afloat. I’m really thankful for that.”

Looking ahead, Maddison plans to pursue a master's degree after undergraduate graduation in spring 2026. Her goal is to continue developing her writing and editing skills—possibly working toward publishing her own work.

When asked what she would say to those who have donated to the scholarship fund, Maddison paused thoughtfully. “Thank you,” she said. “Education is so important, and not everyone has access to it. Helping people like me—and others who might be in even harder situations—makes a real difference.”

The Dr. Elizabeth Howard Memorial Honors Scholarship, dedicated in memory of Professor Howard, is endowed by family, friends, alumni, fellow Honors College and Department of English staff, and those who wish to contribute to her memory. Howard was a professor of English for more than 20 years at ����Թ�. She was also a well-respected member of the Honors College community, having taught Freshman Honors Colloquium (FHC) courses, served on the Honors College Policy Council, advised many honors thesis writers and received the 2016 Distinguished Honors Faculty Award. To support ����Թ� Honors College students in Professor Howard’s memory, please visit the Dr. Elizabeth Howard Memorial Honors Scholarship Giving webpage.

Please contact the Honors College at honors@kent.edu with any questions.

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HERO HEADER PHOTO CAPTION:  Honors College student Maddison Evans poses with a bird during a study abroad trip.

Media Contact: Stephanie Moskal, smoskal@kent.edu, 330-672-2312