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A University of Arkansas at Monticello English student has earned national recognition for the second consecutive year at the Alpha Chi National Convention, held virtually via Gatherly on April 4 and 5. The annual event brought together student scholars and their advisors from across the United States.

Destiny Forrest, a senior English major at UAM, was awarded the Ellen Millsaps Prize for her presentation of an original scholarly paper titled “‘Beyond’ a Kiss: False Salvation in the Realistic American Novel.” The prize is awarded based on criteria including focus and organization, depth and complexity of research, audience engagement, contribution to scholarship and correctness of form.

Forrest wrote her paper in an American novel class taught by Dr. Kate Stewart, professor of English at UAM. Her literary analysis compared and contrasted emotionally charged scenes from “The Damnation of Theron Ware” by Harold Frederic and “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton to examine how realistic American novels subvert and comment upon established romantic ideals of emotion and salvation.

“I had a great time attending the Alpha Chi National Convention again this year,” Forrest remarked. “Although the convention was virtual, which made the process of presenting and viewing presentations a bit different, it was still a great opportunity to hear from other Alpha Chi members and advisors. I was surprised — but excited — to learn that I won the presentation prize in literature, especially since everyone in that section had such strong presentations and research. I'm sad to be graduating and leaving UAM’s Alpha Chi chapter, but I hope to participate in future events as a graduate student.”

Dr. Stewart praised Forrest’s accomplishments, stating, “I am incredibly proud of Destiny. At last year’s convention, she won the Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship for undergraduates. Once again, Alpha Chi has recognized her excellence in original scholarly research. Competing with peers from across the country and winning again testify to her dedication to academic excellence.” 

The UAM student delegation included Forrest and Kailley White, who is also a senior English major. Both student presenters are from Monticello, Arkansas.

White reflected on her experience, stating, “Through Alpha Chi, I had the opportunity to share research I’m passionate about while improving my writing and presentation skills. The feedback I received from judges and fellow members was insightful, constructive and encouraging. My two years in the honors program were amazing, and I look forward to future conferences and events as both an alumna and graduate student.” 

Dr. Stewart commended both students for their professionalism and poise, stating, “Destiny Forrest and Kailley White represented UAM with aplomb at the national convention. Both presented original scholarship and fielded questions about their work with confidence. Competing with peers on a national stage, they proved they are among UAM’s brightest and best.”   

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Carol Strong, professor of political science at UAM, serve as co-advisors of UAM’s Arkansas Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi. In addition, both faculty members served as judges during the convention. Dr. Strong evaluated student presentations in the categories of political science and economics, and Dr. Stewart evaluated student presentations in creative writing and moderated the Literature Q&A session. Austin Hammons, a staff member in the Office of Testing, Career Services and Tutoring at UAM, also serves as an assistant advisor to the chapter and attended the convention.

Dr. Strong was recognized at this year’s event for her ten years of service as a chapter advisor, and Dr. Stewart continues to serve as secretary-treasurer for Alpha Chi Region II, which is a role that includes a four-year term on the National Council of Alpha Chi. 

According to its website, the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society “is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Founded in 1925, ACHS is the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies” and only invites the top ten percent of eligible junior, senior and graduate students to join. Alpha Chi’s “mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence among college and university students, and by encouraging a spirit of service and leadership, to nurture those elements of character that make scholarship effective for good.”

The society celebrated its 103rd year in 2025. The Arkansas Zeta chapter was established at UAM in 1956. UAM’s chapter has been recognized as a Star Chapter, the highest honor a local chapter can receive, and numerous students from UAM have won national and regional fellowships and scholarships for their original research.