The Bartram Award is named for famed explorer and naturalist William Bartram and recognized exceptional achievement. It is awarded each spring to a University Honors College student who had demonstrated the skills of intellectual exploration, adventure, and achievement.

Application Criteria

  • have a grade point average of 3.50 or higher
  • be classified as a sophomore or junior
  • be currently enrolled in Honors classes or else have completed all Honors College requirements
  • demonstrate exceptional research, scholarly or creative activity in a course of study

The deadline for application is announced each January. Complete nomination packets, including a letter of nomination from a faculty member and a print or electronic copy of the research or creative project, must be submitted by the application deadline.

To apply, complete the electronic application form

William Bartram Award Recipients

2022
Georgia Wynn
The Art of Our Afflictions

2021
Brylie Ritchie
The Historical Myths of Valdosta State University

2020
Nestle Butler
The Effects of Colored Paper on Math Performance

2019
Lauren Nichols
Honors Strategic Communication Agency

2018
Kristy Clark
Building Communities: An Oral History Project

2017
Caitlyn Mozzo
Fencing an Interpretation: An Analysis of the Relationship between August Wilson and Troy Maxson and its Implications on Author Rights

2016
Hunter Pope
The Stages of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

2015
Erika Schumacher
Assessment of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
2014
Adrienne Fry
Motivation and Commitment Factors of Volunteers in Environmental Non-Profit Organizations and Implications for the Future
2013
Jennifer Dandron
The Relationship between the Media and School Shootings in the Past 15 Years
2012
Christian Carter
The Sound of Arthuriana
2012
Jennifer Stakich
Will the World Be Able to Feed Itself in the Forseeable Future?
2011
Katherine Wagnon
Predictors of Federal Spending
2010 
Tim Hilgert
Reflections of Western Art Music Evolution in the Evolution of Video Game Music 
2010
Matthew Schmidt
Utilization of Solar Power Technology in China
2010
Megan Wood
Using a Inter Generational Video Game Experience to Enhance Undergraduate Perspectives of Aging and Older Adults
2009
Christopher Nish
Creating a DVD about the VSU Honors Program
2008
W. Jake Newsome
Living the Good Life: Serious Games and their Impact on Mayan Identity
2007
Baqara Ngoyi
Penetration of Nitrite through Liposomal Membranes and its Biological Relevance
2006
Trisha Klyber
2005
Michelle Ashman
2004
R. Andrew Boyd
Revolutionary and Napoleonic France
2003
Melissa Williams
2002
Blenda Link
Laws, Rules, and Guidelines: College Government and Justice in the Media
2001
Alisha Earls
2000
Sarah Corbett
Comparative Spathe Anatomy and Morphology of Commelina (Commelinaceae)
1999
Jessica Tharpe
"A New Meaning to Citizenship" (An anthropological study of the Valdosta City Council)
1998
Michael Mitchell