KNOXVILLE–Two University of Tennessee seniors have been named to the All-USA College Academic Team chosen annually by USA Today.
Julie Pedigo, an agricultural economics major from Hillsboro, Tenn., and Sherrill Richardson, a Spanish and world business major from Chattanooga, are among about 80 students recognized for superior academic records, campus leadership and other activities.
This is the second year in a row that two UT students have been recognized.
Dr. Thomas Broadhead, director of UT’s Honors Program, said Pedigo was recognized for her research on legal issues facing the Tennessee agricultural community.
Pedigo, a UT Whittle Scholar with a perfect grade point average, has served on the UT scholarship selection committee and as a peer mentor to freshman Honors Students. She was last year-s Successful Farming/National Agri-Marketing Association Student of the Year.
“Outstanding qualities of scholarship and citizenship combine to make Julie Pedigo one of this Nation-s great young leaders,” Broadhead said. “They also characterize each year the students recognized as members of the All-USA Academic Team, and I believe very strongly that Julie is of the highest caliber and deserving of this extraordinary recognition.”
Richardson was recognized for her efforts to develop “Trot Against Clots,” a national-level fundraising program for the American Thrombosis Foundation, Broadhead said.
She also is recipient of the Torchbearer 2000 Award, which goes to the UT rising senior for most distinguished contributions to the campus and community.
Richardson has spent a summer studying in Spain, served as a Spanish and English as a Second Language tutor, and currently is applying to graduate programs in law, international relations and Spanish.
“Sherrill Richardson is a highly energetic and capable student, whose record of achievement speaks volumes about her intellect and motivation,” Broadhead said. “Those are essential qualities recognized each year by USA TODAY, and she is very deserving of this award.”