Today@Sam Article

SHSU Student Named Regents’ Scholar

Nov. 16, 2017
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

A Sam Houston State University student has been selected as the newest Texas State University System Regents' Student Scholar.  

Kendra Ireland, a junior chemistry major, was selected by the system chancellor based on her outstanding academic achievement, scholarship, leadership abilities and contributions to the institution and community.   

The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System recognizes one outstanding student from a TSUS member institution each year with the Regents' Student Scholar Award. In addition to a framed resolution and medallion, Ireland was awarded a $2,500 scholarship at the TSUS Board of Regents meeting held Nov. 17 on the SHSU campus.

In addition to her major in chemistry, Ireland is also pursuing a minor in biology and a professional chemist concentration. She also serves as a teaching assistant for the SHSU chemistry department and a supervisor of the SHSU informal recreational department.

Student organizations have played an important role in Ireland’s campus life as a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, SHSU’s chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success and Golden Key International Honour Society.

Ireland, who has a perfect 4.0 grade point average, has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions during her time at SHSU. She is the 2017 recipient of the Repsol Student Innovation Award, in recognition of excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In 2016, she was recognized with the A.J. Koinm Best Freshman Essay Award. She has also been on the President's List and Dean's List every semester of her college career and, for three consecutive years, awarded the SHSU chemistry scholarship.

Ireland came to SHSU by way of Fort Fairfield, Maine where she was born and raised. She said she was drawn to SHSU for several reasons.

“We toured numerous Texas colleges, including UTSA, A&M and SFA. After I had toured here at Sam Houston, I knew this was where I belonged,” Ireland said.  “I appreciate the small-town feel of Sam and the small class sizes, which are what I'm used to coming from such a small town. I chose Sam because of the gut feeling I had that this was the school for me.”

After graduation, Ireland plans to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry and aspires to secure a career in research and development with a chemical research company.

“My dream job would be working for Dow Chemical. I aim to make a difference in the scientific community by applying my knowledge of chemistry to solve problems that haven't yet been solved,” she said.

Ireland credits her instructors and the chemistry program at SHSU for helping to pave her path to academic achievements.

“We have some great professors who truly care about our success,” she said. “Thankfully, my years here have shown me that we have a fantastic chemistry program. Sam Houston is a great school and I'm proud to be a Bearkat.”

The Regents' Scholar Award is supported by the Texas State University System Foundation, a public, nonprofit corporation that provides private financial support to TSUS and its member institutions.

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