E llen Yeudall embodies what it means to be a stellar student. Her dedication, highest scholastic achievement and devotion to service was noticed by the University System of Georgia (USG) which identified Yeudall as Georgia College’s 2022 Academic Recognition Day representative.

The senior English major has a concentration in literature and minor in theatre. Graduating in May with a 4.0 GPA, she’s a member of the Honors College; non-fiction editor of Georgia College’s literary magazine, “The Peacock’s Feet;” and secretary of Eta Sigma Alpha, the student honors association. In addition to being a Spanish tutor, Yeudall’s done several literary papers and won multiple honors, including the Rising Star Award from the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival award.

“Ellen has presented her research at the MURACE conference, served as dramaturg for ‘The Revolutionists’ and crafted a dynamic senior thesis,” said Dr. Brian Newsome, director of the John E. Sallstrom Honors College. “I would add that Ellen is also a warm and giving individual. At Honors Convocation in the fall, for example, she came early to set up and stayed late to clean up. This spirit of generosity is a hallmark of GC students, and Ellen exemplifies this spirit at its best.”

Each year, USG asks each member institution to select an Academic Recognition Day representative—the graduating senior who best exemplifies outstanding academic achievement. To make this selection, a committee “examines not only GPA but also academic awards, evidence of scholarship or creativity and diversity of intellectual pursuits,” Newsome said.

Yeudall was a little overwhelmed to learn she’d been picked. She hadn’t told anyone she put her name forth to be considered.

The Evans, Georgia, native chose Georgia College because larger schools felt overpowering and smaller ones “a bit suffocating.” The campus was a perfect “in-between,” and Yeudall felt at home here. She’s been happy with her choice, which enabled her to make meaningful connections with professors and peers.

“My experience at Georgia College has definitely helped me grow as a person,” Yeudall said. “I’ve been able to take a diverse array of classes that allow me to understand the world from new perspectives and still be able to fuel my creativity through my work.”

“Especially since the majority of my college experience has been during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said, “I’m able to adapt to situations much better than I ever thought I’d be. I think it’s also made me more accepting, considerate and motivated among my friends, peers and the campus community.”

Yeudall has volunteered as a Spanish tutor in the Language Resource Center since freshman year. She helps students with homework, learning grammar structures, practicing conversation skills and prepping for presentations. She’s also been a member of the Honors College since freshman year and joined associations like Eta Sigma Alpha, the student honors association, and Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre fraternity.

Junior year, Yeudall dove deeper into research. She presented findings on “Chaucer’s Wife of Bath” at the university’s annual MURACE Research Conference. As dramaturg for theatre’s production of “The Revolutionists,” Yeudall investigated the French Revolution and Reign of Terror for character background information. In her “Jane Austen on Film” class, she adapted the author’s work into a modern screenplay.

Yeudall’s most challenging project was for her senior undergraduate thesis, “‘Don’t Tell Me What My Limits Are:’ The Representation of the Female Detective and Emotional Bodies in Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch.”

“With the amazing guidance of Dr. Jennifer Flaherty, I used feminist and affect theory to research and explore the relationship between gender and emotion in the British crime series and its main detective characters. It was a rewarding experience being able to complete it and present my work to my fellow peers,” she said.

Yeudall will receive a letter of commendation from USG’s Chancellor, along with signed resolutions from the Georgia House of Representatives. She was honored, along with other academic reps, at a Board of Regents meeting and luncheon Feb. 8.

After graduation, Yeudall would like to take a year off before pursuing a masters. She hopes to find work that incorporates her analytical and creative sides—perhaps something in theatre, film or television.