Woodruff Award of Excellence Recipient, Chynna Carter

The George Waldo Woodruff Award of Excellence is Mercer Law School’s most prestigious award. Given to the graduating student with the highest grade point average at the end of five semesters, the award honors George Waldo Woodruff, distinguished businessman, proponent of education, and friend of Mercer University School of Law.

Chyna Annastasia Carter is the 2025 recipient of the George Waldo Woodruff Award. She is graduating first in her class from Mercer University School of Law, where she served as the SBA chair for intramural sports and secretary of the Rural Law Students Association. Chyna was also a member of the Habeas Project, Mercer Law’s post-conviction defense clinic. There, under the supervision of Professor Meagan Hurley, ’19, Chyna co-authored briefs filed in the Georgia Supreme Court and superior courts around the state advocating to correct constitutional rights violations suffered by indigent prisoners. Further dedicated to public service, Chyna was awarded the Public Service Certificate after completing the requisite credit hours in required courses and contributing 30 hours to pro bono legal work during her last semester. Before law school, Chyna attended the University of Georgia where she studied political science and religion. In 2022, she graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

“It would be unthinkable to celebrate this moment without thanking the people who made it possible. For every accomplishment, I thank my Savior for the opportunities and abilities given to me. To my family and friends, those here, and those who have passed, thank you for everything you have done to shape my life. To every mentor, professor, and teacher, thank you for molding me into the student, and person, I am. To my parents, Libby and Taylor, I am forever thankful for your unwavering support, sacrifice, and love. Momma, you are my best friend, inspiration, and guidepost; because of you, I know there is nothing I cannot do. To Piper and Roy Taylor, my greatest accomplishment is being your big sister; the joy you have brought into my life is immeasurable. Chase, love is patient, love is kind, and you are the epitome of both. Thank you all, for all of your support.”