TROY students awarded Lamar P. Higgins Leadership Award during annual Leadership Conference

Eight students recently received the prestigious Lamar P. Higgins Leadership Award, named in memory of Troy University’s first African-American Board of Trustees member, during the 22nd annual John R. Lewis Leadership Conference.

In addition to being the first African-American Board of Trustees member, Higgins was the first African-American elected to a leadership position on the Board as Vice President Pro Tempore. During his time as a student at TROY, he became the first African-American to be elected as Student Government Association President, a position he held for two terms. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Professionally, Higgins was a partner in Fine Geddie and Associates.

The Lamar P. Higgins Leadership Award recognizes students who exhibit a commitment to serving others and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership during their time at TROY. This year’s award recipients are as follows:

Malachi Everett is a music industry major from Brundidge, Alabama. He is passionate about the music industry and has a goal of one day touring and performing with major artists. He is a member of Hines Chapel AME Church in Dothan, Alabama, and said without God he would not be where he is today. He is grateful for his village, including his parents, Henry and Rachel, and his younger sister, Makayla. His favorite quote reads, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Kazani Snell is a biomedical sciences major from Dothan, Alabama. She currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Student Government Association and International Awareness & Involvement Chair for the Nu Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Snell said she strives to have a meaningful impact on campus and the environment around her. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.
Gabrielle Moore is a psychology major from Dothan, Alabama. An active leader on campus, she has held key roles in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as President and Vice President, Freshman Forum Vice President, Co-Captain of the TROY Dance Team and Event Coordinator for the University Activities Council. She was also recognized as 2022 Miss Trojan Pride and was a Homecoming Court Representative in 2023. After graduation, she plans to gain workforce experience before pursuing a Ph.D. and later attending medical school to become a double-licensed psychiatrist.
Elizabeth McMahan is a biomedical sciences major from Decatur, Alabama. Throughout her time at TROY, she’s been involved in various organizations to include Student Government Association, the Trojan Ambassador Association, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the Living Stones Retreat and the Chemistry Club while also serving as a Resident Assistant. She is a member of the Beta Beta Beta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega and Alpha Epsilon honor societies. McMahan has also been recognized by The 87 Club, studied abroad as a Global Scholar and was elected to the 2024 Homecoming Court. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education in the medical field and plans to focus her career on providing primary care to underserved rural communities in the area.
Burnard Thomas is a criminal justice major from Detroit, Michigan. He’s an active member of the Student Government Association, previously serving as Freshman President and is the current Vice President of Campus Affairs. He is also a Resident Assistant, a member of the TROY football team and was selected to The 87 Club. Thomas was recently named to the Chancellor’s List for Outstanding Academic Achievement for Fall 2024 and is a member of the nationally-recognized criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma. Thomas plans to pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation and wants to encourage others to pursue leadership opportunities.
Elizabeth Bennett is a human services major from Eufaula, Alabama. Throughout her time at TROY, she has become an active member in many organizations, including Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and Student Government Association, of which she currently serves as President. Bennett is also the founder of the TROY Women in Business Club. She plans to continue her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Derrick Nobles is an accounting major from Mobile, Alabama. He is passionate about service and engagement and serves as President of both 101 E.L.I.T.E. Men and the University Activities Council, has mentored peers and planned impactful campus-wide events. He has also served as Welcome Week Director, Treasurer of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, President of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council for the Sorrell College of Business, Chairman of Alumni Relations for the Sorrell Men’s Society and Trojan Ambassador. Nobles is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was elected the 2023 Mr. Trojan Pride and the 2024 Homecoming King.
Theodor Thoenes is a risk management insurance major from Decatur, Alabama. He has been active throughout his time at TROY, serving in Freshman Forum and in various roles in the Student Government Association, including Executive Secretary and President from 2023-2024. He’s also been named to The 87 Club, was a 2024 WSIA intern and is the current Gamma Iota Sigma President. Thoenes is a J.H. Blades Scholar and has been named multiple times to the Chancellor’s List.