Cochise Newsroom

Cochise College student Kayla McLeod has been selected as the 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar, earning a prestigious scholarship award of $2,250. She achieved the highest score in Arizona in the All-USA Academic Team competition, which reviewed nearly 2,100 applications from over 1,300 colleges nationwide. Nominations were evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors, and only one scholar per state was selected.

 

McLeod, who attends classes at the Sierra Vista Campus, serves as an officer for the Undergraduate Research Club, is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, works as a Library Student Aid, and volunteers with the Peer-to-Peer Recovery group. She was chosen for her outstanding academic performance, leadership roles, and active involvement both in and out of the classroom. 

 

She plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to pursue a bachelor's degree. Her career goal is to work with a nonprofit or federal organization, focusing on global environmental challenges and solutions.

 

The New Century Transfer Scholar program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). It recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and significant contributions to their campus and local community.

 

"We congratulate Kayla for receiving this prestigious scholarship," said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. "We are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize these outstanding achievements. Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach."

 

"On behalf of the PTK advisors at the Sierra Vista Campus, we congratulate Kayla for being recognized as a New Century Transfer Scholar," said Tetima Parnprome. "This honor highlights her dedication and hard work. We are very proud of her and everything she has accomplished."

 

To learn more about the PTK program at Cochise College visit: www.cochise.edu/student-life