Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) was proud to celebrate the latest recipient of the Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship last week, as officials traveled to Lebanon to present the award to McKayla Segura of Ozarks Technical Community College on June 6.
“We are delighted to recognize a student who has demonstrated remarkable commitment in pursuing her education here at Central Methodist University,” said Dr. Rita Gulstad, CMU provost and namesake of the scholarship. “Even while managing family life, her dedication to her educational goals, particularly her aspiration to work with young children, shines brightly.”
The Gulstad Scholarship is offered to eligible community college students looking to transfer to Central to finish their degree. Named in honor of Dr. Gulstad, the award celebrates the outstanding quality of education provided by Central’s community college partners and reflects its namesake’s commitment to bridging the gap between these institutions and Central, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed.
Segura, who plans to major in early childhood education when she transfers to Central, said that the scholarship will be “a big weight off my shoulders that will allow me to focus more on my education.” She thanked the donors who make the scholarship possible, as well as the staff members of both schools who have helped her begin her transition from Ozarks Tech to CMU.
A mother of two young children, Segura says CMU’s online offerings align perfectly with her learning style and life circumstances, giving her the flexibility to receive a quality education while maintaining a busy schedule. Her long-term goals are to earn her degree and be able to work with 3-5 year-olds, helping them to foster a love of learning.
To learn more about the Gulstad award and a variety of other scholarships offered by CMU, visit https://www.centralmethodist.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships.html.