William Carey University honors student from Madison

A Madison student is one of two people to receive the top honor at William Carey University last month.

William Carey University held its 2025 Honors Day on April 30. The year-end event recognizes students for outstanding academic and service achievements.

WCU President Ben Burnett presented the day’s top honor, the Jenkins-Chastain Award, to Aiden Albritton of Madison and Anna Carroll of Carriere.

“This award is the highest honor given by William Carey University. Anna and Aiden represent all of the qualities expected of students who win this prestigious award. They lead academically, spiritually, and in the way they serve others. We expect great things from both of them after graduation,” Burnett said.

Established in 1957, the Jenkins-Chastain Award goes to two students who exemplify citizenship, scholarship, leadership, and Christian service.

This year’s Jenkins-Chastain winners were also elected Mr. and Miss WCU by their classmates. Between them, Albritton and Carroll have won three departmental awards.

Specifically, Albritton is this year’s Outstanding Management/Marketing Student Award from the School of Business and the Alumni Association’s School Spirit Award, Laurie Glaze, assistant professor of business administration, said.

“Aidan approaches each task and assignment with enthusiasm and gives his best effort in all endeavors,’ Glazer said. “He’s helpful to students who need assistance. He encourages others and has a positive attitude in every situation. He has earned the respect of both faculty members and peers.” 

In June, Albritton will start work as an undergraduate recruiter for William Carey University.

“I want to work for an institution that believes in people and helps them succeed. I want a job where I can make a difference in someone’s life – working at Carey fulfills that desire,” Albritton said.

Albritton majored in business administration and minored in strategic communication and leadership. He was active in a wide spectrum of campus groups, including Carey Ambassadors, CareyWOW, and the WCU Strategic Planning Council. He served as president of the Baptist Student Union and helped lead a mission trip to New York City.

“In my junior year, I had an experience that stands out to me,” Albritton said “It was a week when, over and over, I had one-on-one conversations with others. I walked away resolved that ‘making a difference’ or ‘success’ is not found in large groups of people attending events or working on a plan, but in listening to someone and making them feel valued. That’s what is most important: Be like Jesus to the people around you.”

Aidan Albritton is the son of Michael and Anne Albritton of Madison.

Anna Carroll majored in biology with a pre-medicine concentration. Carroll is the daughter of Kirby and Tabatha Carroll of Carriere.