Posted on Friday, May 09, 2025
Whether delivering serves in a volleyball match or tutoring students for a math test, junior Math major Meredith Orton brings the same level of commitment and dedication to her two passions. That hard work paid off when she recently received the news that she will join this summer’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program for Computational Mathematics in Data Science at Emory University.
“REUs are competitive summer programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation that are offered at several research institutions nationwide in STEM fields for students who are considering graduate school,” said Dr. Stacey Ernstberger, Professor of Mathematics. “It is an opportunity to get an understanding of what STEM research at the graduate level is like, while providing students with opportunities to engage with research mentors and practice giving formal research presentations.”
During her eight-week experience at Emory, Orton will be part of a team assessing mathematical problems and developing solutions for them by analyzing data sets.
“The overall theme for Emory's programs this summer is Model Meets Data, and I was placed on the project titled Optimal Control and Inverse Problems for Data-Driven Decision-Making,” she said. “In this project, we will be developing methods of approaching inverse problems that will result in effective decision-making skills that can be used on real-world data.”
Orton said this opportunity first came about after researching REU programs in Dr. Ernstberger’s Programming for Sciences class.
“After taking the course, I spoke with her of my aspirations to attend graduate school, and she shared with me her summer experience with an REU program,” she said. “From our discussion, I learned how helpful it can be when applying to graduate school to have one of these programs on my resume.”
Dr. Ernstberger described Orton as a highly motivated student who is a team player.
“She thrives independently but also works well in groups, and she is always ready to learn about new mathematical skills,” she said. “Meredith is highly capable in many areas, evidenced by her ability and desire to seek minors in both business management and accountancy.”
Dr. William Yin, Professor of Mathematics, said Orton is always willing to help her peers.
“She is extremely organized and shares her notes with her classmates who need assistance,” he said. “She is a leader and a good influence in the classroom.”
Orton said her Math professors have taught her the value of hard work and understanding.
“They go above and beyond to emphasize the importance of not simply memorizing a concept but truly grasping it,” she said. “Dr. Ernstberger has always been an amazing resource for planning my future and exploring different options. After having Dr. William Yin for five semesters in a row, I believe he was a pivotal part in my growth and development as a student.”
At LaGrange, Orton serves as president of Baptist Collegiate Ministry, a tutor for PACE, a leadership board member for Rotaract Club and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She also was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honors society.
Awards she has received include being a Presidential Scholar and on the VPAA’s List from fall 2022 to spring 2025. Most recently, she was named Most Outstanding Female Tutor at Honors Day.
After graduating from LaGrange, Orton seeks to further her education with a degree in data analytics.
“It will help me join a company as a data scientist, financial analyst or sports analyst,” she said. “I plan to narrow down my career interests after this summer program and during graduate school.”
Also recognized was: Brilyn Fletcher (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia; Parker Floyd (Political Science), accepted into graduate programs at Faulkner University and the Charleston School of Law; Michael Haase (Accountancy), accepted into the Master of Accounting program at Kennesaw State University; Kenzie Hornsby (Psychological Science/Sociology), accepted into the Master of Science in Child Life program at Auburn University; Parker Lovett (Sports Management/Marketing & Entrepreneurship), accepted into the Master of Science in Sports Management program at the University of Alabama; Harrison Martin (Nursing), accepted a full-time job offer as a registered nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; and Nicholas Missert (Accountancy), accepted into the Master of Accounting program at Kennesaw State University.
Also honored was: Baylor Montoya (History/Writing & Publication Studies), offered a full-time job as an instructional paraprofessional and an assistant lacrosse coach in the Gainesville (Ga.) City School System; Marissa Oliver (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; Ema Turner (Political Science/Sociology), accepted a full-time job offer as a community prevention educator and child advocate at Harmony House in LaGrange; Abby Vanhoose (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia; Serenity Veitch (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia; and Kennedy Young (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Athletics
Matt Hayes was named Vice President for Athletics. He comes to LaGrange after nearly 23 years of service at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, where he most recently served as deputy athletic director.
Baseball
The Panthers' postseason saw a heartbreaking conclusion this past weekend, falling to rival Huntingdon in the semifinal round of the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament.
Softball
LC was sadly eliminated in the CCS tournament by Piedmont on Thursday, May 1.
Lacrosse
The Panthers saw their season's end after being eliminated from playoff contention by William Peace University on Friday, April 18.
Beach Volleyball
LC finished their season at the AVCA Championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in late April. After doing battle with Huntingdon College and Lynchburg University, the team was ultimately bested as their season drew its end.
Women’s Golf
The Panthers finished their season at the USA South Conference Tournament April 28-30 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Freshmen Alexa Fontanez and Emma McCoy finished 25th and 26th, respectively out of 36 golfers to complete the first season in program history.
Men’s Golf
LC traveled to Dalton, Georgia, to compete in the CCS Tournament April 28-30. They ended their 2024-25 season with a fourth-place finish at the tournament which was held at Dalton Golf & Country Club. Sophomore Jay Manley had his lowest individual finish since September 2023, finishing in a tie for fourth at four-over par.
Freshman CJ Kilkelly was named CCS Rookie of the Year.
Junior Eli Rogers was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
LaGrange College faculty members receive excellence awards, LaGrange Daily News, May 6
Hayes named VP for Athletics at LaGrange College, LaGrange Daily News, May 2
Category: Academics, Students
Keywords: Education, Research
