MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students and Honors Buchanan Fellows Jorge Avila and Victoria Grigsby have been named recipients of the prestigious 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Pioneer Award. 

They are among only 50 students selected from a competitive nationwide pool to receive the $1,000 award, which recognizes undergraduate members who exemplify the research, engagement, and leadership skills necessary for scholarly success.

“I am honored to receive Phi Kappa Phi’s Pioneer Award. With the honor society’s support, I feel encouraged to take on further academic pursuits at MTSU and afterwards in graduate school,” said Grigsby.

“Jorge and Victoria exemplify what the Pioneer Award is meant to honor,” said Philip Phillips, president of the MTSU chapter of Phi Kappa Phi and associate dean of the Honors College. “Their leadership is authentic, their scholarship is impressive, and their ability to apply classroom learning to real-world problems is inspiring. We’re incredibly proud to have them represent MTSU on the national stage.”

Grigsby, a double major in political science and German from Taft, has distinguished herself by having already received the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at Princeton, being named a 2024 Delta Scholar, and previously being awarded both Fulbright and Gilman scholarships. Her work reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary learning and student empowerment.

“Victoria is a dynamic scholar whose work reflects the best of what Honors education can offer,” said Honors College Dean John Vile. “She brings creativity, compassion, and intellectual rigor to every endeavor, and we are thrilled to see her recognized at the national level.”

Avila, a political science (pre-law) major from Murfreesboro, has also demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic engagement throughout his time at MTSU. In Spring 2024, he was named one of MTSU’s Second-Year Outstanding Students, a distinction that foreshadowed his emerging impact on campus and beyond.

That summer, Avila interned with the Washington Center, working at the Democratic National Committee during the height of the presidential election. Reflecting on the experience, Avila shared that the internship was unforgettable. 

“While my internship was mainly political, I learned the strong connection between politics and the law, which made me more motivated to pursue a legal career to help people in need,” he said.

“Jorge and Victoria are the quintessential examples of the liberal arts mindset in action,” explained College of Liberal Arts Dean Leah Lyons. “In CLA, we prioritize experiential learning in and out of the classroom, demonstrating our support through scholarships for unpaid internships, funding for research/creative activity, and more. 

“Our students excel in their pursuits; all they need is an open door. Jorge, Victoria, and other students like them leverage the support they receive for immersive learning opportunities to open more doors and reach new thresholds of experience and understanding. We are so proud of all that they have accomplished.” 

In being named Buchanan Fellows, both students have already earned the university’s top academic scholarship, reflecting the values of the Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi. As Pioneer Award recipients, they hope to inspire others to pursue excellence and embrace opportunity.

“Higher education is a privilege. Students should not take it for granted,” Avila advised. “Making the most of your time in higher education requires many leaps of faith. While I have been rejected for many opportunities and awards, I have also earned a handful of prestigious awards, such as this one. In summary, apply yourself as much as possible!”

To learn more about the Pioneer Award and other Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi awards, visit phikappaphi.org.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)