Shawn Murphey, a student at Arkansas State University-Beebe, is one of 213 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2023 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Murphey, from Cabot, is majoring in computer systems and networking technology. He plans to transfer to the University of Central Arkansas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cyber security management.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 1,100 applications were received.
A total of $213,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, which provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at https://www.ptk.org/.
About ASU-Beebe Phi Theta Kappa
The ASU-Beebe Beta Omega Alpha Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society received their charter from the national PTK president and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner in April 2022. At the end of 2022, the ASU-Beebe PTK chapter was one of seven PTK chapters out of 41 chapters in the Oklahoma/Arkansas regional division and one of 196 chapters out of 1,270 chapters in the U.S. and Pacific region to reach the highest five-star level.
