Martin and Plemons named recipients of 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Carson-Newman University announced that Abbagile Martin and Keylon Plemons are recipients of the 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The recognition, announced during C-N’s Honors Convocation, is the highest honor the University presents to students.

Martin is a biology pre-health professions major from Gadsden, Alabama. A member of the Eagles softball team, Martin is a proven leader on the field, often delivering when her team needs her most. As a Gold Eagle Scholar, Martin combines her on-field performance with excellence in the classroom. This was also evident when she received the Academic All-District Award and was recognized as an All-American NFCA Scholar Athlete.

She has also demonstrated a heart for others. From leading a Bible study for her team to being active in service opportunities like the Boys and Girls Club’s Civic Engagement event, C-N’s Serve Day, and Eagles Night. A Faith and Justice Scholar, Martin has also served at the local hospital and has worked with the University’s Center for Community Engagement staff to plan and prepare for meetings and events.

Credited with having a quiet but valuable biblical impact, Martin has been described as being a grounded and humble leader with her identity being rooted in knowing Christ rather than being known by others.

“Abbi is a person whose personality reflects the light that the Lord has in her,” said Rachel Rogers, a member of C-N’s Center for Community Engagement staff. “Although she can be quiet in a large crowd, she has a big love that can only come from knowing Jesus.”

Plemons is a political science and Christian studies double major from Athens, Tennessee. Throughout his time at C-N, he has been heavily involved on campus in events and student organizations. He has been a member of Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, Student Government Association, captain of the C-N Cheerleading team, Homecoming King, worship leader for C-N’s chapel band, residence hall chaplain, orientation leader and C-N’s summer staff. He was also a member of the University’s award-winning Moot Court team and C-N’s Model United Nations team.

Beyond campus, he is just as active. His love for music and ministry has led him to serve several churches. For the last year he has served as worship leader at Mossy Creek Fellowship in Jefferson City.

Dr. Kara Stooksbury, chair of C-N’s Department of History and Political Science, describes Plemons as a humble servant who serves others before self-interest. “Keylon is an excellent student who is committed to serving the University and the world,” said Stooksbury. “I believe he embodies the traits set forth by the Sullivan Foundation.”

Dr. Stephen Joiner, associate professor of political science, echoes Stooksbury’s thoughts, adding that he looks forward to what the future holds for Plemons. “No matter what he chooses to do, I am confident that he will do great things and inspire others to do the same.”

The New York Southern Society established the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1890 to honor an Indiana native and Manhattan attorney who was considered a living example of genteel spirit and Christian compassion. The awards, which are donated by the foundation that bears his name, are granted at more than 70 colleges and universities to graduating seniors, one female and one male, who “excel in high ideals of living, in fine spiritual qualities, and in generous and unselfish service to others.”