Bevill State students, Austin Kimbrell and Nancy Howard have been selected as Coca-Cola Scholars and All-Alabama Academic Team recipients as a result of their selection to represent Bevill State in the All-USA Academic Team program competition. Both students have received notification from the Coca-Cola Scholarship Foundation of their accomplishment.
Kimbrell, a native of Fayette, was selected as a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar. He is a pre-engineering major with a cumulative grade point average of 3.553. He currently serves as vice-president of the Future Engineers and Mathematicians of Bevill State, vice-president of scholarship in Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the Student Government Association. His community involvement includes volunteering at the Fayette County Animal Shelter and serving as a volunteer judge for the Fayette County Technical Fair and Science Fair. Kimbrell is also a math tutor in the math lab on campus, working 18 hours per week to assist students who may need help in math, ranging from developmental math to Calculus.
Howard, from Jasper, was selected as a Coca-Cola Bronze Scholars. She is pursuing a degree in nursing and has a perfect grade point average of 4.0. She is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, serving as vice-president of service. Among her service activities, Howard has volunteered for the Better World Books project collecting school books to send to Africa, “Bowl for Kids Sake” bowlathon to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and coordinated fundraisers for the Commission of Aging: Meal on Wheels, the Cullman Caring for Kids Food Pantry, and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
“Austin and Nancy are two examples of students who have excelled in the classroom and made the most of their opportunities in college,” Bevill State President Dr. Anne McNutt said. “Their service in their communities as well as their involvement in extracurricular activities on campus speaks highly of their efforts and the efforts of our faculty and organization sponsors.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation announced the establishment of the Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team program this year in conjunction with the All-USA National Academic Team program. The Coca-Cola program provides up to $450,000 in stipends across the nation. The top scoring students from each of the fifty states are named New Century Scholars and receive a $2,000 stipend. Fifty students are named Gold Scholars, receiving $1,500, fifty students are named Silver Scholars, receiving $1,250, and fifty students are named Bronze Scholars, receiving $1,000. All scholars receive special medallions and will be listed in an April issue of the USA TODAY newspaper.
The Alabama Community College System's All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program was established in 1995 as an enhancement to the All-USA National Academic Team Recognition Program, which is sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the American Association of Community Colleges, and USA Today. Honorees must possess a minimum grade point average of 3.25, be involved in campus activities and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours.
