The University Academic Excellence Awards are presented each year to graduating seniors who have proven to be exceptional students. Each student is selected by their respective department as the most outstanding in their chosen field. The recipient receives a certificate of student excellence and a University of Rhode Island medallion.

The Public Health Excellence Award this year was presented to Payton Wozny. Payton is an outstanding and involved student graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She interned with Planned Parenthood, the CDC Global Public Health Emergency Branch, and the Rhode Island Department of Health. She was an involved member of Alpha Chi Omega, the Public Health Club, and the National Society of Leadership & Success. Payton will be attending graduate school to earn her Masters of Public Health.