Twelve Coastal Carolina University students have been selected as the 2015-2017 Jackson Scholars, a student leadership program sponsored by the University's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values.

The new class of scholars includes Alyssa Cafaro, a psychology and international business major from Pennsville, N.J.; Samyra Casterlow, an exercise and sports science major from Greensboro, N.C.; Elbert Chestnut, a recreation and sports management major from Longs; Kathleen Durdock, an applied mathematics and business administration major from Leonardtown, Md.; Kira Elton, a sociology and psychology major from Mount Arlington, N.J.; Merwan Luck, a computer science and graphic design major from North Myrtle Beach; Thea McInnis, an entrepreneurial management major from Latta; Austin Nichols, a political science major from Anderson; Ashlie Pilotti, a business management major from Chadds Ford, Pa.; Kaitlyn Powalie, a psychology and philosophy major from North Myrtle Beach; Jocelyn Reedus, an elementary education major from Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Garland Shrader, a philosophy and religious studies major from Myrtle Beach.

The Jackson Scholars is a leadership program that helps talented students develop into future leaders of high personal integrity. Students are selected based on academic merit, leadership potential and interest in ethics.

As a part of the program, Jackson Scholars are required to complete two years of ethical leadership studies in the classroom and spend two semesters as counselors through the Summer Ethics Academy. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an ethics-focused community internship.

The Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values was founded in 2004 by area business and civic leaders Nelson and Mary Emily Platt Jackson. The primary focus of the Jackson Center is to cultivate awareness throughout the academic and surrounding communities of the importance and lifelong rewards of personal and professional integrity.