Outstanding Graduate of the Year

About the ACHS Outstanding Graduate Award

Each year ACHS chooses a graduate to represent ACHS in the DEAC Annual Outstanding Graduate program. This program is designed to showcase the significant accomplishments of our graduates and specifically recognize the achievements of distance education students.  

We encourage all graduates to consider applying to be the next ACHS Outstanding Graduate. Faculty and ACHS staff can also nominate graduates for this distinction.

2025 Outstanding Graduate Spotlight: April Foster

ACHS DEAC Outstanding Graduate April Foster

April Foster’s path to integrative health was deeply personal. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010, she sought to complement her chemotherapy treatment with holistic lifestyle practices. This defining chapter of her life ignited a passion for herbal medicine and set her on a transformative educational journey at ACHS.

What began as a goal to earn a Diploma in Herbal Studies evolved into a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences, which she completed in December 2024. Throughout her studies, April grew in confidence and purpose, sharing her knowledge at wellness events, speaking to nursing students about trauma and holistic tools, and supporting pregnant mothers through her work as a doula and yoga instructor.

Read more about April’s journey and experience at ACHS in our blog!

Past Recipients

BONNIE PEARCE

2024 Outstanding Graduate

SIAN SELIGMAN

2023 Outstanding Graduate

MICHAEL FORD

2022 Outstanding Graduate

CINDY LANE ROSS

2021 Outstanding Graduate

STEPHANIE PETERSEN

2020 Outstanding Graduate

LAURA SUSAN JOHNS

2019 Outstanding Graduate

LISA DONALDSON

2018 Outstanding Graduate

STEPHANIE WEBB

2017 Outstanding Graduate

DUSTY FLOYD

2016 Outstanding Graduate

STEPHANIE AUSTIN

2015 Outstanding Graduate

SHAWN HALLUM

2014 Outstanding Graduate

TRACEY ROBBINS

2013 Outstanding Graduate

EMILY STEIN

2012 Outstanding Graduate

ROBIN BARNETTE

2011 Outstanding Graduate

PAT REDER

2010 Outstanding Graduate

PAMELA HEYEN

2009 Outstanding Graduate