BOONE, N.C. — In the Spring and Fall, Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies seeks nominations for the Cratis D. Williams Society. The Society recognizes the top two percent of graduates from the School of Graduate Studies each year. Inductees are chosen from among the nominees based on their academic performance, engagement in their discipline and potential for leadership.
Keep reading to learn more about five Spring 2026 Cratis D. Williams Society inductees from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
Jabari Budd
Jabari Budd, of Fresno, Texas, earned his master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in psychological science in May 2026. He previously completed his B.S. in Psychology at Sam Houston State University in 2023.
Budd chose App State for graduate school to work with Dr. Twila Wingrove. "I enjoy research related to legal psychology," he said.
His graduate research explored generational differences in the endorsement of both male and female rape myths. He added, "I also had the opportunity to study perceptions of consent throughout an ambiguous sexual encounter."
Budd recognized Dr. Wingrove for having a positive impact on his time at App State, sharing that she "was always there to answer any question I could think of. It was a joy to brainstorm study ideas with her and learn from her." He explained that the research he conducted in the Students of Law and Psychology Lab is the type of work he hopes to continue throughout his academic career.
When reflecting on his time at App State, Budd shared that his favorite memories were "the time spent with my fellow members of the Psychological Science Master’s program. They’re a great group of people, and I would have gone completely insane without them."
After graduation, Budd will continue his academic journey at Florida International University, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in Legal Psychology.
Sophia Kirn '22
Sophia Kirn ’22, of Holly Springs, first came to App State as an undergraduate after "falling in love with the school and the area." She earned her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and environmental biology and a certificate in geographic information systems in 2022. She returned to App State for graduate school, completing her master’s degree in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology in May 2026.
As a graduate student, Kirn conducted research on strategic afforestation across forested state parks in the North Carolina Piedmont, work she plans to publish after graduation. She credits her advisor, Dr. Steve Seagle, with providing motivation and support throughout her time in the program.
Kirn also distinguished herself as an instructor. She received the 2024–25 Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies for her instruction of the Biological Concepts II course and the Biology in Society laboratory, recognizing her excellence in undergraduate teaching.
Brenna McNamara '24
Brenna McNamara ’24, of Bethany, Connecticut, earned her master’s degree in industrial‑organizational psychology and human resource management (IOHRM) in May 2026. She first came to App State as an undergraduate, completing her B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in business and a minor in human resource (HR) management in 2024.
McNamara chose to remain at App State for graduate school because "my time spent here in undergrad was exceptionally rewarding." She described early exposure to the IOHRM program through faculty and graduate students who shaped her academic path: "I was exposed to the culture of the IOHRM program through getting to know faculty members...and grad students who led the research team that I was a part of." She added, "I knew the program would be very challenging but saw how much professional growth the students experienced and how the faculty supported them."
Her graduate research focuses on sexual harassment prevention training for young workers, particularly differences between student‑ and professor‑led training and between male‑ and female‑led student training. "Young workers are often not given this type of training in common roles such as food service and retail," she explained, "and the research aims to provide these individuals with effective training and resources for their work environment."
Beyond her thesis, McNamara co‑led an HR Science research team working to integrate AI into Eugene, a tool that helps psychology students identify the KSAs they’ve gained from coursework and explore jobs they may be qualified for. "This project is in support of research about combating underemployment for psychology majors in particular," she said.
Among the faculty who shaped her experience, McNamara credits Dr. Tim Huelsman with having "absolutely changed my life." She first encountered him in Organizational Psychology during her junior year — the course that introduced her to the field she would ultimately pursue. His mentorship continued as her academic advisor, program director, and later as the professor she supported as a teaching assistant. "He consistently advocates for all of the students in the program, exemplifies the type of professional the students wish to be, and supports each of us in our goals."
McNamara’s involvement on campus was extensive. She participated in App State’s SHRM chapter, worked on the HR Science research team for more than three years, and spent over five years at the Belk Library service desk, an experience she described as "a very supportive environment and fantastic working experience...which I will miss dearly." She also taught a workforce‑preparation course for psychology students and served as a Psychology Career Advisor, meeting with students seeking guidance on career preparation and pathways.
After graduation, McNamara will return to Connecticut to join Travelers Insurance’s HR Leadership Development Program in Hartford.
Anhminh Nguyen
Anhminh Nguyen, of Raleigh, graduated in May 2026 with both his master’s degree in psychology and a Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree. Before coming to App State, he earned a B.A.Ed. in Human Development and Family Studies and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"I genuinely believe that App State has the best school psychology program in NC for those seeking a comprehensive and supportive experience that will prepare them for the field as soon as possible," shared Nguyen.
When asked about faculty who made a difference in his graduate experience, Nguyen emphasized that he couldn’t choose just one. "All of my program faculty have invested heavily in me...whether they were my faculty mentor, research advisors, or ‘just’ instructors," he explained. "They always supported me, made time for me, and pushed me — especially during times when they believed in me, but I wasn’t so sure."
While living in Boone, Nguyen frequently attended Graduate Student Life events and enjoyed connecting with fellow graduate students and staff from the Williams School of Graduate Studies. "Those events and the friendships that came out of them have definitely been some of the highlights of my graduate school experience," he said.
Some of his favorite memories come from attending national and state school psychology conferences. "It’s always so nice to network with and build community with other school psychologists and students," he shared. "I always leave them feeling empowered and refreshed."
After graduation, Nguyen will continue his work at his internship site, transitioning into a full‑time school psychologist role in Wake County.
Carleigh Scott '22
Carleigh Scott ’22, of Winston‑Salem, completed her master’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in college teaching in May 2026. She previously earned her B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in secondary education from App State in 2022.
Scott chose to return to App State for graduate school because she enjoyed earning her undergraduate degree. "App has such a strong focus on education, so it felt like the right choice for me," she said.
Her graduate research explores the ethical and pedagogical considerations of AI use in a developmental mathematics classroom from the student perspective.
Scott recognized Dr. John Sevier for having a positive impact on her time at App State. "He has been a great mentor and has helped me reach my fullest potential," she shared. "Dr. Sevier has been a big supporter of my success during my graduate degree."
Her involvement on campus extended beyond the classroom. Scott served as a senator and social committee chair for the Graduate Student Government Association. She also holds fond memories of the broader campus community: "I will always remember the strong sense of community and support that I felt both in the Math Department and as a lifeguard at the Student Recreation Center."
Scott received the 2025–26 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies for her instruction of the College Algebra and the Calculus for Business and Economics courses, highlighting her excellence as an educator.
After graduation, Scott plans to continue teaching as a college‑level instructor.
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About Graduate Education at App State
Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at graduate.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
May 11, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Jabari Budd (top left), Sophia Kirn '22 (top right), Brenna McNamara '24 (bottom left), Anhminh Nguyen (bottom middle), and Carleigh Scott '22 (bottom right) were inducted into the Spring 2026 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted
Jabari Budd (top left), Sophia Kirn '22 (top right), Brenna McNamara '24 (bottom left), Anhminh Nguyen (bottom middle), and Carleigh Scott '22 (bottom right) were inducted into the Spring 2026 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted