MC nominates future “doctors” for national recognition

Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events
Midland College

Kristyn Wells and Shannon Edgar share much in common — they both graduated from Midland High School (MHS) in May 2010 and are now sophomores at Midland College (MC); they both are interested in pursuing careers in the science field, eventually obtaining doctorates; and they both are MC’s nominees for the USA Today, All-USA Community College Academic Team!

Each year, USA Today recognizes exceptional students at community colleges. Judges consider grades, academic rigor, growth and how well the students use their education to benefit their schools and communities. The program is administered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Kristyn Wells

Kristyn Wells says, “I was so surprised when I received an e-mail from Mr. Willis [MC assistant professor of speech and Phi Theta Kappa advisor] informing me that I was one of MC’s nominees. I really wasn’t expecting it.”

Having received the MC nominations, Wells and Edgar are now competing against students in community colleges throughout the United States. The top twenty students selected will receive a $2,500 cash award and extensive national recognition. Both Wells and Edgar say that the additional funds will definitely help them in their future pursuits.

Wells plans to transfer to Texas Tech University (TTU) in the fall, where she will major in Human Sciences. After receiving her baccalaureate degree, she hopes to be accepted into the TTU physical therapy doctoral program. In addition to keeping up with her studies at MC, Wells volunteers at the Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center several times a week. She also works at Pink Tumbleweed boutique in Midland. In her spare time, Wells enjoys playing tennis and horseback riding.

Shannon Edgar

Shannon Edgar is seeking an Associate degree in biology from Midland College. Her plans are to transfer to Texas A&M University or Texas State University where she will pursue a baccalaureate degree in microbiology. Eventually Edgar says that she plans to work toward a Ph.D. in virology and hopes to work in a research lab.

“Marlana Mertens [MC associate professor of biology] really has inspired me,” says Edgar. She worked for USAMRIID [U. S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases], and my dream is to do the same. I love science, and I also enjoy my math classes. I plan to minor in math.”

Edgar, who maintains an almost-perfect 4.0 GPA, is currently employed as a tutor in the MC Math Lab. Having played the violin in the MHS orchestra during her high school years, she also enjoys music and is now taking piano classes at MC. In addition, Edgar is a member of the COM’s Master Swimmers program and swims competitively.

With promising careers ahead of them, Kristyn Wells and Shannon Edgar say that they are glad they decided to stay in Midland for two years after high school graduation, citing the fact that MC has given them a solid foundation in their studies. They are both attending MC on the Midland Legacy Scholarship, which helps fund their tuition and fees in exchange for community service.

In April, the young women will find out whether or not they have been selected for the USA Today, All-USA Community College Academic Team. Until then, Wells and Edgar will continue to enjoy life as MC students and work toward their goals of one day having the title of “Dr.” in front of their names!