Brooklynne Barnhill, of Springfield, and Sarolyn Fox, of Memphis, received the Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award during the University of Tennessee at Martin fall commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is presented to graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding campus and community service during their time at UT Martin.

Barnhill, an organismal biology graduate, has held several on-campus positions throughout her collegiate career. As a freshman, she became involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s leadership team and joined the organization’s worship team. Barnhill served as a Peer Enabling Program (PEP) Leader for the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences and was promoted to a college leader in the program in 2020.

“Brooklynne works hard to excel in the classroom, has a real ‘heart’ for helping people and is an outstanding role model as a person and student,” said Dr. George Daniel, First-Year Initiative coordinator.

Fox, a health and human performance graduate, served on the SGA Freshman Council, was a student ambassador and SOAR leader where she gave campus tours and lead small-group discussions with new students. She was recognized as the Greek Woman of the Year for her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During her junior year, Fox started her own business, Hey Baby! Doula Services, LLC. Her company’s mission is to provide a service that embraces, empowers and educates women throughout their pregnancies.

“Persistence is the perfect word that describes Ms. Sarolyn Fox and her influence that she has had on campus and the community,” said Dr. Annie Jones, career counselor in the Office of Career Planning and Development. “This personal value has particularly molded her to become resourceful, determined and resilient, which has aided in her journey to cultivating an environment centered on change.”

Dr. Paul Meek served the UT Martin campus as executive officer, dean and UT vice president/chancellor from 1934 to 1967. This award was originally established and funded by the three Meek children to honor their parents. The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award is the only award given during commencement each semester.

For more information, contact the UT Martin Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.
<p style="text-align: center;">###</p>