In a world that encourages science and engineering, Walters State graduate Mia Kelly is proud to be an art major.

And it’s paying off. Kelly is the first Walters State student to receive a Hites Scholarship, one of the largest transfer scholarships offered.

The scholarship, worth $7,500, is given to 10 recipients nationwide each year by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students.

Kelly, who earned an associate of fine arts from Walters State in May, will use these funds to continue her education at a four-year university.

Kelly received another unique honor during her freshman year when she was named a PTK Leader of Promise.

Kelly credits the time spent at Walters State for both personal and professional growth.

“I followed my sister to Walters State. We are first-generation students and didn’t really know how college worked or what to expect. I received emails from many colleges, but only applied to Walters State,” said Kelly, a homeschool graduate through Alia Academy “I started with dual enrollment classes. I received emails from so many colleges, but I only applied to Walters State. I attended for free when you factor in the federal and state aid I received,” Kelly said.

She knew about the low cost of attending Walters State. She didn’t know she be drawn to many activities and get to know so many of her professors.

Kelly has been a student representative and treasurer for the college’s Social Science Club and a student representative for the Art Club. Her favorite out-ofthe- classroom activity has been the trips sponsored by the Walters State Adventurers.

“I have met awesome people on these trips and gone places I would have never gone by myself,” Kelly said. At Walters State, her artwork has been recognized by several organizations. Four different gallery exhibitions have featured her work, and her art has been published in magazines.

The biggest surprise she found in attending Walters State was her professors.

“Great professors are a big part of the Walters State experience,” Kelly said. “Amy Evans was my main art professor. She encouraged me as an artist. She has so much wisdom and experience in the art world. The other professor was Dr. Jacqueline Larson. Her door was always open and helped me grow as an individual and as a student,” Larson said.

Evans is head of the art department, and Larson is an instructor of psychology. Kelly also wanted to acknowledge Casey Fielden, coordinator of student activities.

“Casey is always welcoming and always has time for you.”

Kelly has already started her art education career, offering workshops to younger students in her community.