Awards of Distinction

Kaitlyn Mills, of Kernersville, will graduate from App State in May with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She is a student in App State's Honors College and Watauga Residential College.

A Plemmons Leadership Scholar, Mills is "passionate about supporting others and giving back to her community," said one of her nominators.

Through her engagement with App State's Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Mills has served as a site leader during the university's Days of Service, directing groups of her peers in volunteer efforts at local nonprofits. She has also been a peer leader for programs of App State's Alternative Service Experience, which engages students in service experiences in local, national or international communities.

Currently, Mills is working under the direction of App State professor Dr. Kevin Zwetsloot to complete her honors thesis, which explores how the human gut microbiome affects eating disorders and mental health.

Outside of her studies, Mills works part time as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation facility in Boone.

She is a recipient of the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship and has been named to the Chancellor's and Dean's Lists numerous semesters.