Jenna Christine Shafer and Matthew Dean Beeson have been awarded scholarships by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for the 2008-2009 academic year. Each year the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences awards scholarships to students totaling more than $100,000.

Shafer has been selected to receive the Lawrence G. and Mary Katherine B. Burk Scholarship Fund, which was established by Lawrence G. Burk, who currently lives in Harris County. The late, Mrs. Burk was a native of Meriwether County. This scholarship fund was established in appreciation for the educational experiences Mr. Burk received at the University of Georgia in the College of Agriculture. It is awarded to students based on need, good character, and the promise of the scholarship recipient making a positive contribution to society.

Shafer is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in biological sciences with a pre-vet intent, and is the daughter of Col. and Mrs. Jeffery L. Shafer of Peachtree City, Ga.

Beeson has been selected to receive the Emory L. Cocke Scholarship. Established in 1981, the scholarship is awarded annually to three students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Mr. Cocke, a student in the College of Agriculture in 1915 and a pioneer in the development of citrus pulp as an animal feed ingredient, is a proud supporter of research and teaching carried out by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The first to erect a processing plant to convert citrus byproducts into a usable resource, Mr. Cocke has prevented tons of waste for the citrus industry while providing a relatively inexpensive cattle feed.

Beeson is a sophomore majoring in animal health at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and is the son of Terry and Shirley Beeson of Peachtree City, Ga.