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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Schmitz is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.
Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.
Schmitz, a PhD student and Arrell Scholar at the University of Guelph, will use funds from the award to complete a PhD in geography focusing on access and equity in commercial fisheries in the Pacific.
Schmitz was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2022 at Fordham University.
Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards annually in support of post-baccalaureate professional development. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals, and a personal statement.
Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi's award programs have recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. In addition to the Love of Learning Program, Phi Kappa Phi awards graduate and dissertation fellowships, study abroad grants, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Each year more than $1 million is awarded through programs.
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines.
Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.
The society's mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”
For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
California Community College’s successful application to participate in the Ability to Benefit program, to ATB, means that the four million Californians without a high school diploma will now qualify to access federal financial aid to attend college classes — increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs across the state.
Students participating in the ATB process will also have support for their education goals, and access to counseling and academic support, including math and writing workshops, tutoring services, accessibility services, and more.
“It’s a duty and a privilege for our state to help students and workers access higher education and pursue fulfilling careers — even without a high school diploma. In California, we’re working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential,” said Newsom.
“Our thanks go to Gov. Newsom for partnering on this effort, which represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to higher education for all Californians. Our collective efforts aim to create a streamlined and inclusive pathway for individuals seeking to pursue their academic aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian.
In California, 19 percent of adults over 25 do not have a high school degree, as compared to 14 percent for the rest of the country.
Education is statistically tied to earning potential, and Thursday’s announcement will help ensure that more Californians are able to access higher-paying jobs by taking community college classes without massive debt.
Previously, students without a high school diploma seeking to qualify for an ATB exception had to complete six credits of college classes or pass a qualifying exam to access federal financial aid.
The new state process allows these students to meet a streamlined set of criteria instead, simplifying the process to get more aid to more students.
In August 2023, Gov. Newsom signed the Freedom to Succeed executive order to improve access to high-paying and fulfilling careers for students and workers.
The governor’s executive order launched the development of a new Master Plan for Career Education that will help prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow, including high-paying and fulfilling career paths that don’t require college degrees.
Additionally, the executive order directed the state to take further steps to reduce barriers to state employment — including eliminating requirements for college degrees unnecessary to job duties.
Leaders from California’s education and workforce systems and the California Department of Rehabilitation met last week to discuss the master plan framework and are on track to deliver the master plan by the end of the year.
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- Written by: Albright College
A graduate of Yucca Valley High School, Rideout is studying crime and justice at Albright.
Taking on a highly-responsible position, resident assistants, or RAs, lead and support the development of each individual in Albright's residence halls.
RAs develop positive personal relationships with residents, collaborate with campus offices, empower residents to effectively interact with classmates, and uphold Albright community standards.
RAs for Crowell, Krause, and Walton Halls are tasked with helping first year students transition into college life, while RAs for Lion, North, Mohn and Smith Halls work among established, upperclass student communities.
All Albright residential life staff are highly trained in safety and community building, as well as campus resources, programming and policies.
Pursuing a mission to provide students with an education that enables them to live their best lives, now and in the future, Albright College, Reading, Pa., founded 1856, is home to a distinctive co-major program that enables students to cross or combine different areas of study, without taking longer to graduate.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Dr. Tawny Dotson, president of Yuba College, has been appointed to the National Commission on Small and Rural Colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges, or AACC.
Her term on the commission runs July 2024 through June 2027.
The commission plays a crucial role in the AACC’s decision-making process, ensuring the interests of member institutions are well-served.
Dr. Dotson’s designation is a reflection of her leadership, commitment and ability to impact the community college mission nationally.
“I’m grateful for an opportunity to make an impact for Yuba College and community colleges like it across the nation,” said Dotson.
“Supporting small, rural colleges like the one I’ve served for more than four years is incredibly important. These communities are where workforce development and social mobility are critical. I look forward to having a strong voice in advocating to support these colleges across the United States.”
Dr. Dotson has served as president of Yuba College since July 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing significant improvements across the organization.
Enrollment is recovering significantly from COVID-19 declines under her leadership, seeing a year-to-year growth of 9% in the 2023-2024 academic year.
The college has also expanded its dual enrollment partnerships to include more than 2,500 high school students throughout Yuba College’s service area and has completed a series of facility upgrades at the Marysville Campus, with more in progress.
During her tenure, Dr. Dotson has secured $1.2 million in additional state funding for a STEM facility project and developed a comprehensive plan to use operating and bond funds to remodel student learning spaces.
She has also played a key role in launching the college’s largest fundraising campaign from private donors for additional facility needs in the kinesiology, health and athletics areas.
“I came back to this community for a reason. I wanted to be a part of the community that supported me as an active-duty Airman at Beale Air Force Base and to be a part of realizing the opportunity I knew was possible in Yuba-Sutter through education,” said Dotson. “This appointment will be a chance to expand that opportunity with a direct connection to advocate for policy decisions that support communities like ours at the federal level.”