The first-ever Jackson Scholars at Coastal Carolina University were announced today at the dedication ceremony for the Jackson Family Center for Values and Ethics.

Six Coastal sophomores were selected for the Jackson Scholars program, which entails two years of ethical leadership studies in the classroom, an ethics-focused internship in the local community, and the preparation of an annual report to the Jackson family.

The scholarship recipients include Caroline Smith, an English major from Stafford, Va.; Erica Bolin, an education major from Clover; Katherine Carlier, a philosophy major from Portsmouth, N.H.; Sean Hinchey, a philosophy and psychology major from Richmond, Va.; Anne Tyson, a philosophy major from Rockingham, N.C.; and Charles Smith, a psychology and sociology major from Darlington. The students each receive a $1,000 stipend each semester.

The purpose of the center is to cultivate and promote awareness in students of the importance of personal and professional integrity. The center will sponsor scholarships and visiting scholars as well as public discussion forums on ethical issues in science, business, education, and the arts and humanities.

The family of area business and civic leaders Nelson and Mary Emily Platt Jackson founded the resource center focusing on values and ethics.