Excellence, Articulated: UWG’s Academic Recognition Day Scholar Uses Her Voice to Help Others Find Theirs Share this page
Some students earn good grades. A rare few define what academic excellence looks like. This year, one University of West Georgia student has done exactly that, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA from her first college class to her last.
Before the early-morning classes, late-night study sessions and the countless challenges that come with higher education, newly graduated speech-language pathology alumnus Madison Brooks ’26 made a quiet promise to herself: to give her very best. That vow recently earned her the title of UWG’s 2026 Academic Recognition Day Scholar.
“I’m beyond grateful and thankful for this honor,” Brooks shared. “This award is not just mine; it reflects the collective support, guidance and opportunities I have received at UWG. I’ve been surrounded by incredible people, including faculty mentors and loved ones, who have poured into me and encouraged me along the way.”
The Academic Recognition Day program is designed to select a single undergraduate student per institution within the University System of Georgia who has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and honor their successes. Applicants are nominated through their respective universities and follow an interview process.
Brooks was first introduced to speech-language pathology in high school by her mother. Although she wanted to be a pediatrician at the time, Brooks researched the field and quickly became inspired by the field. Her interests piqued even further when her father died after a progressive battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“Experiencing how vital communication is, especially when it becomes limited, deeply impacted me,” Brooks recalled. “His speech-language pathologist was incredible, and that experience solidified my passion for this field.”
Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is no small feat, but Brooks said prayer and determination – attending professors’ office hours, being transparent about her needs and building meaningful and lasting relationships with her professors – have been her foundation.
In addition, remembering her “why” has kept her motivated.
“I come from a family of extremely hard workers, and that shaped my mindset,” Brooks explained. “I have a strong passion for helping others and continually striving to better myself. Serving others is deeply important to me, and that is ultimately why I chose this field to support and uplift individuals and families.”
That’s why she chose UWG as well, as it is one of the few institutions close to home and financially accessible that offered speech-language pathology, adding that undergraduate research enabled her to present at conferences, strengthen her academic grown and expanded her professional network.
This growth – bother personally and professionally – allowed her to discover a passion for neurogenic communicative disorders while developing a deeper understanding of perseverance.
“UWG has shaped who I am by teaching me the importance of growth, networking and making a meaningful impact within both my community and my field,” noted Brooks, who added that the Honors College and faculty all played a significant role. “Their patience, mentorship and guidance helped me grow tremendously. Particularly, Dr. [Aleah] Brock consistently challenged me, held me accountable and pushed me to become a stronger researcher and clinician.”
Following graduation earlier this May, Brooks will be moving on to Auburn University to pursue a master’s degree while working as a graduate assistant. Her postgraduate research will focus on how muscle weakness affects speech, work that is deeply meaningful to Brooks and honors her dad’s journey.
“Every situation is what you make of it,” she concluded. “It’s important to give your best, remain steadfast in your faith and always strive to work to your fullest potential.”