The recipients of the spring 2025 Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Awards are Charlie Shipman, a political science graduate from Memphis, and Isabella Walker, a pre-veterinary graduate from Bartlett.
Shipman graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice.
Over the last year, she has been a resident assistant team captain with the UTM Office of Housing, planning and coordinating initiatives to enhance community engagement and overseeing the organization and inventory management of resources. She has served as a resident assistant for the last two years.
Shipman was the president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and served as a Summer Orientation And Registration (SOAR) leader. She was the assistant secretary for the campus NAACP chapter for the 2024 calendar year.
Shipman also held certifications in mental health first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Ryan Martin, director of the Office of Housing, nominated Shipman for the Meek Leadership Award.
“Charlie led with humility, empathy and strength, empowering others and improving the UT Martin experience for those around her,” he said in his nomination application. “She consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity, inclusion and commitment, making her an outstanding representative of this award.”
Walker graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary science and technology.
Since 2023, she has served as a shadow at Northwest Tennessee Veterinary Services in Dresden and at the Big Creek Animal Hospital in Millington.
Walker served as the president of the UTM Latin Hispanic Student Association and was a member of the Veterinary Science Club, the Delta Tau Alpha Agriculture Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Olivia Fernandez, director of client services and support for the Office of Information Technology Services, nominated Walker for the Meek Leadership Award. She said in the nomination application that Walker demonstrated “transformative leadership” in her role with the Latin Hispanic Student Association (LHSA).
“Isabella’s ability to lead while maintaining strong academic performance demonstrates a remarkable level of commitment and drive,” Fernandez said. “Through her involvement, she has inspired peers to engage in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. She is a leader who uplifts others, unites communities, excels in academic and professional endeavors and dedicates herself to meaningful service.”
The awards were presented during commencement exercises May 3 at the University of Tennessee at Martin by Dr. Philip Cavalier, provost and senior vice chancellor of academic affairs.
The Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award was established to recognize graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership while pursuing their education at UT Martin. It was named for former chancellor Dr. Paul Meek and his wife and was first presented in 1970. It is presented annually at the fall and spring commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Meek served as the university’s executive officer from 1934 to 1951 and its dean from 1951 to 1967 before being named its first chancellor in 1967.
The award was originally established and funded by the Meeks’ three children to honor their parents and to honor students who embody the same spirit of leadership.
PHOTO: Charlie Shipman of Memphis (left), who graduated May 3 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and Isabella Walker of Bartlett, who graduated May 3 with a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary science and technology were the spring 2025 graduates to earn the Paul and Martha Meek Leadership Award. Both are shown posing with Dr. Philip Cavalier, provost and senior vice chancellor of academic affairs, who presented the award.
