University of the Ozarks senior Raegan Swafford, an English and psychology major from Van Buren, Ark., has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Hurie Award, given to the outstanding member of the graduating class.
The award was announced during Wednesday’s Honors Day ceremony. She is pictured center with University of the Ozarks President Richard Dunsworth and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janie Diels.
Voted on by the faculty, the award is named for Dr. Wiley Lin Hurie, who served as president of the college from 1923-1949. The Hurie Award is the highest honor an Ozarks student can receive. The faculty members choose a graduating senior who has been an exemplary scholar, a campus leader, and a person of outstanding character.
A first-generation college graduate, Swafford is graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors with a minor in sociology during the University’s spring commencement on May 17. She was named the Outstanding Student in English in 2025 and in 2023 she earned the title of Poet Laureate of the Spadra Valley after winning the annual Project Poet competition.
“Simply, an honor. I feel absolutely blessed and fortunate to be here,” Swafford said of her four years at Ozarks. “I had great mentors, met my best friends, and learned the truth of a community built on sabbath, service, justice, hospitality, honesty, and growth. I would not change a single thing.”
When asked how she has grown during her time at Ozarks, Swafford responded, “How have I not grown?”
“When I first came to Ozarks as a freshman, I was so dependent on others,” she said. “When you’re 18, all you can do is pretend to know what everyone is talking about when they use the term ‘adult.’ Ozarks gave me the space to explore aspects of myself I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. My professors challenged me throughout my journey, and without their constant support, I would not be the person I am today. Ozarks also gave me the opportunity to study abroad, which allowed me to spend more time with myself outside my comfort zone. Ozarks was truly my coming-of-age moment.”
In 2024, Swafford spent the fall semester studying abroad in Northern Ireland. She has served as president of the University’s creative writing club, Wordsmiths, and as a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB).
“Wordsmiths gave me an outlet for my creativity and passion for writing,” she said. “It is a great place for all writers when they need encouragement and inspiration. I was also a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for most of my time here. I love working with others to make an event come alive and be enjoyed by others on campus.”
She has also served the Jones Learning Center in a number of positions, including tutor, JLC assistant and note-taker.
She has also been active as a volunteer in her hometown church, Van Buren First Assembly, as a member of the worship team and in community outreach programs. Follwoing graduation, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in English literature with plans on one day being a college professor. She is the daughter of Daniel and Christi Swafford.
Following graduation, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in English literature with a goal of becoming a college professor.
“Once again, I feel just feel blessed,” Swafford said. “I’ve realized that the opportunities given to me don’t come every day, so I thank God every day for where He has placed me, and I’m so glad it’s at Ozarks.”
Topics: Student Stories