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Three students from the School of Computer Information Systems (CIS) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello were recently recognized for their academic achievements during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Kshitiz Khatiwada, from Nepal, was awarded the Rookie of the Year award. He is double-majoring in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and mathematics with a data science option. A student must complete at least 30 hours of academic coursework overall and have a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

Samuel Stephens, from Maumelle, Arkansas, was awarded the Outstanding Junior award. He is majoring in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in criminal justice. A student must complete at least 60 hours of academic coursework overall with a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

Aubree Goodnight, from Benton, Arkansas, was awarded the Outstanding Senior award. A spring 2026 graduate, she majored in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity. A student must complete at least 90 hours of academic coursework overall and at least 21 hours of CIS coursework with a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

Brian Hairston, dean of the School of CIS at UAM, commended the students on their achievements, stating, “The School of CIS has a strong and highly capable student population, and after careful deliberation, the CIS faculty selected Mr. Kshitiz Khatiwada for the Rookie of the Year in CIS, Mr. Sam Stephens as the Outstanding Junior in CIS and Ms. Aubree Goodnight as the Outstanding Senior in CIS. These awards are chosen based on CIS majors’ GPA, completed credit hours and performance in selected CIS coursework. Among a host of capable candidates, Mr. Khatiwada, Mr. Stephens and Ms. Goodnight were chosen for their academic excellence in their field.”

For more information about the School of Computer Information Systems at UAM, contact Dean Brian Hairston at hairstonb@uamont.edu or 870-460-1538.