Alcornites recognized during the 26th Annual HEADWAE program
Alcorn State, Miss. (March 1, 2013) – Alcorn State University student Lawrence E. Warren and faculty Dr. Sidney T. Hawkins received special recognition from the Mississippi Legislature February 26, 2013, during the 26th Annual Higher Education Appreciation Day—Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) program.
“We were honored to be recognized among outstanding students and faculty members from Mississippi’s public and private universities and colleges,” stated Dr. Hawkins, mathematics professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Dr. Hawkins joined Alcorn in 2000. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics. Dr. Hawkins research interests are focused on the theory of quadratic forms. His latest published research work was “Inequalities between Pythagoras numbers and algebraic ranks in Witt rings of fields”.
“Dr. Hawkins represents the kind of faculty who is dedicated to his students, his department and the University. He is passionate about teaching and helping our students reach their highest potential,” stated Dr. Donzell Lee, vice provost. He added, “Lawrence Warren exemplifies the characteristics of the students that we hope to develop at Alcorn. He is a talented student who is serious about learning and is actively involved in the University life.”
A Brookhaven, Mississippi, resident, he chose to study at Alcorn because of his family tradition. A junior majoring in computer science and mathematics, he proved to be an excellent scholar making it to the Dean’s lists every semester while at Alcorn. He has been actively involved in the work of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and served as president of the Math and Computer Science Club. While serving as president of Enactus (formerly Students In Free Enterprise), he and his team attended a national leadership conference after becoming a first runner-up in the regional championship in 2011. In 2012, he was a social networking monitor for Student Government Association Senate. Warren is also working at Alcorn’s Math Center and assists students in chemistry, physics, programming languages and more, as a a volunteer with Student Support Services.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a HEADWAE honoree,” said Warren. “It was such a great and memorable day for me. We began it with a tour of the state capitol where the Senate and House of Representatives welcomed us, and then the group of honorees proceeded to the awards luncheon. I am grateful to the University for nominating me and recognizing my work.”
“Lawrence is an outstanding student, he is in the top five math students I have ever taught at Alcorn,” shared Dr. Hawkins. “He helps other students in the class all the time, tutors them and explains the topics that they have difficulties with. We need more students like him.”
HEADWAE was established by legislative resolution to honor individual academic achievement and the overall contribution of the state’s public and private institutions of higher learning.
