Nine UNC Hussman of Journalism and Media students are among the 2026 Chancellor’s Awards recipients, earning one of UNC-Chapel Hill’s highest honors for academic achievement, leadership and service.
Ph.D. students Evan Isaacson and DD Lewis were recognized with 2026 Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards. Teaching nominations were reviewed by a student committee based demonstrated and consistent teaching excellence, impact on students inside and outside the classroom and the creation of a dynamic learning environment.
UNC Hussman majors Haile Vaughan Clayton ’26 and Zoe Sinclair ’26 and UNC Hussman minor Corey Brandon Jr. ’26 were honored with 2026 Student Academic Awards and UNC Hussman majors Annie Badger ’26, Andrew Davis ’26, Alli Pardue ’26 and Ilia Young ’28 received 2026 Student Activities and Leadership Awards.
The annual Chancellor’s Awards ceremony honors outstanding students, faculty and staff for achievements in academic endeavors and exceptional leadership through involvement in campus life, student governance and community service.
The Panhellenic Association Woman of the Year
Established by the UNC Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council and the Multicultural Greek Council, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters and Greek and University communities.
“Annie Badger has shown outstanding leadership and dedication as both vice president of internal affairs and president of UNC Panhellenic. She worked to strengthen chapter collaboration, improve internal operations and create a more inclusive and supportive Panhellenic community. Through her many initiatives, she promoted leadership development, community engagement and sisterhood, leaving a lasting impact on her peers. Annie’s dedication, kindness and willingness to empower others truly makes her deserving of the PHA Chancellors Award.“
The Hampton Shuping Prize
The Hampton Shuping Prize shall be given to the graduating senior at UNC-Chapel Hill who is the outstanding undergraduate majoring in business, not only in academic achievement, but in integrity, honor and leadership potential; who shows concern for ethical management of the American business enterprise; and who respects the labor and the commitment of the individual as instrumental to the success of the organization and the free enterprise system.
“Corey is undoubtedly one of the core pillars of the Kenan-Flagler graduating class. He is president of the program’s Community, Equity and Inclusion Board, works on behalf of the global and admissions teams, has completed many high-profile internships, has excelled academically, is heading to JPMorgan Chase after graduation and is completing an honors thesis titled, “The Paradox of Progressivism: How Chapel Hill’s Housing Policies Reinforce Exclusion.” Corey treats everyone with genuine kindness and professionalism, strengthening both team performance and individual belonging. He leads with integrity and honor, generosity and humbleness, modeling what it means to lead with purpose, achievement, and impact both within Kenan-Flagler and beyond.”
The Patrick F. Earey Award
Established by the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, this award honors the late Patrick Earey, a distinguished member of its faculty. Earey taught in the department from 1957 to 1987 and served as varsity swim coach from 1957 to 1975. This award is given to the member of the graduating class who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and leadership. The recipient is selected by a committee of faculty members.
“Haile was chosen for this award based on her record of outstanding academic, leadership, and extra-curricular experiences at UNC-Chapel Hill. As an Exercise and Sport Science major in the Sport Administration track, Haile has worked in multiple prestigious internships and work experiences in the sport industry. Haile is also a model student, with extremely high character, that has excelled in leadership roles at UNC. Specifically, Haile led a group of Exercise and Sport Science students who won a national sport marketing case competition by designing an innovative sport marketing strategy for the Arizona Cardinals organization of the NFL. This is the first time a UNC team has won this prestigious competition against other peer collegiate programs from across the U.S. Beyond these professional accomplishments, faculty describe Haile as a joy to be around and a curious and engaged student and leader within the Exercise and Sport Science Department.”
The Interfraternity Council Man of the Year
Established by the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council and the Multicultural Greek Council Award, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters and Greek and University Communities.
“Andrew exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, service and integrity within the Interfraternity Council and the broader UNC community. His sustained impact spans chapter, council, campus and national levels, including exemplary service as an IFC officer, national fraternity leader and advocate for inclusion and accountability. Through roles such as chapter president, IFC vice president of public relations, and national committee representative, he has demonstrated a rare ability to balance vision with execution, elevating both organizational performance and community trust. His extensive record of recognition, philanthropy and mentorship reflects a commitment not only to personal excellence but also to strengthening fraternity life as a whole. For these reasons, he is exceptionally deserving of the Interfraternity Council’s Man of the Year Award.”
The Walter S. Spearman Award
The Walter S. Spearman Award was established in 1984 by Chi Psi Fraternity. Given in memory of a journalism professor who was noted as a distinguished teacher, journalist, and mentor of students, it is presented to a man in the senior class whose academic achievements, co-curricular activities, leadership qualities, and strength of character are considered by a panel of judges to be most outstanding.
“Andrew was selected for this award for his stewardship of institutional reputation and steady decision-making during difficult moments. He does the quiet work of making every organization he touches stronger and more connected. As President of the Order of the Golden Fleece, Co-President of Mu Sigma Lambda, and Historian of Pi Kappa Phi, his focus has been on measurable growth, cultural accountability and long-term sustainability. He is dedicated to strengthening academic standards, increasing engagement and mentoring younger students so that progress will continue beyond his tenure.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Award
“Rather than simply teaching research as a technical skill, he challenges students to think about the ethical implications of data, the power of insights and the responsibility communicators hold when presenting findings. Class discussions are interactive and thoughtful, often built around real-world case studies that require students to defend their reasoning and analyze multiple perspectives. His energy and enthusiasm make students want to participate, and he fosters a classroom culture where questions are welcomed and intellectual risk-taking is supported.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Award
“Her teaching has had a strong and lasting impact on my academic experience. One of DD’s greatest strengths is how clearly she explains difficult concepts. I go to her office hours every week, and she always takes time to walk me through course materials step by step. She explains ideas in simple and practical ways. She never rushes. She listens carefully to my questions and makes sure I truly understand before moving on. Because of her help, I have gained a much stronger understanding of public relations research.”
The Ernest H. Abernethy Prize in Student Publication Work
Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduate judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.
As Editor in Chief of The Daily Tar Heel, Ms. Alli Pardue has accomplished an an exemplary job of leading UNC’s independent, student-led news organization. She has built a strong staff with a range of skills and has helped The Daily Tar Heel continue its leadership role in covering the university and its community. Alli also exemplifies the highest aims of the University of North Carolina. She is from a small town in Yadkin County and has made a mark at UNC.
The L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science
Established in 2002, this award is given to a senior judged by a committee of the faculty to have established the most distinguished record of scholarship in Political Science and service to the community.
The 2026 winner of the L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science is Zoe Sinclair. Zoe has a stellar academic record and has conducted research on death sentence practices in the United States. In addition to working as a research and teaching assistant at the university, Zoe used her world-class education to tutor elementary school children, teach at the Boys and Girls Club of Durham and serve as a substitute teacher in Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools. Zoe has also volunteered in the Carolina Community Garden, which provides food for UNC staff members. Zoe’s exemplary scholarly and service record led to her selection as this year’s winner.
The Robert White Linker Award
This award was established in 1960 in honor of Professor Robert White Linker, who helped to organize the Society of Janus Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary. It is given annually by the Society to the most outstanding undergraduate residence hall officer. This award is based on leadership criteria of initiative, creativity and effectiveness, and on lasting contributions to residence hall living.
Ilia was selected for the Robert White Linker Award in recognition of her exceptional impact on the residential leadership community. As Conference Chair for the 2026 South Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference, Ilia is leading the effort to bring this large-scale regional conference back to Carolina for the first time in over 20 years. Balancing this responsibility with strong academic performance, service on the RHA executive board and active membership in NRHH, Ilia exemplifies excellence and dedication, within the residential community.
View the full list of 2026 Chancellor Award recipients.
