Wilder, Sturgill Receive W. Bruce Ayers Scholarship
MIDDLESBORO, Ky. -- First-year nursing student Alexandria “Ally” Wilder is a proud recipient of the W. Bruce Ayers Scholarship for 2022.
The scholarship was named for President Emeritus Bruce Ayers to help outstanding students who face financial obstacles pursue their education. “Having a scholarship established in my name, especially one large enough to benefit multiple students annually at an institution I love, is one of the greatest honors ever bestowed on me,” said Dr. Ayers.
“The scholarship has helped me so much,” said Ally. “Without it, I might not have been able to attend college. Unforeseen circumstances caused my family became a one-income household for a while.”
Ironically, that same misfortune inspired Ally to work in health care.
“My dad was in a car accident in 2017 and suffered debilitating injuries. Spending time at the hospital and seeing the high level of care he received made me realize I wanted to help people,” she said. “God guided me down the path.”
Ally has just completed her second semester in in the nursing program. She enrolled in dual credit courses while at Bell County High School, allowing her to earn enough college credit to enter the program after only one semester.
“Right now, I’m the youngest student in my nursing classes,” she said.
According to Dr. Melissa Humfleet, Southeast’s director of nursing, Ally is a natural fit for the program. “She is very attentive in class and clinicals, and she is super motivated to learn and excel,” she said.
As for Ally, she says she simply loves to live a life of service.
“I just love helping people,” said Ally. “I really do. At Bell County High School, I was in a community Interact Club, a chaperone for mission trips in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and a volunteer for Make-A-Wish kids in Florida.”
The daughter of Brandon and Cindy Wilder of Brownie’s Creek, Ky, Ally lives at home with her parents and younger brother Mason, a freshman in Bell High.
Leah Sturgill Receives W. Bruce Ayers Scholarship
Leah Sturgill, a second-year student at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, has proudly received the W. Bruce Ayers scholarship during the 2022 school year. During her two years at Southeast, Leah has served as the student services student worker on the Cumberland Campus.
The W. Bruce Ayers scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Bruce Ayers, former Southeast President, to provide financial assistance to deserving students on any of our campuses. “There is no greater pleasure for me than knowing that a scholarship extended in my name has helped someone to fulfill his or her God-given potential,” said Dr. Ayers.
Southeast has always been a great, affordable option for students in the mountains, but Leah's reason for choosing Southeast was more profound. Being a part of the Southeast family, Leah could remain close to her sister and remember the great times they shared on campus. Leah recalls her sister attending Southeast and being a highly active student on campus.
“My sister and I always attended the pageants together, so I have a lot of memories of her there. Not only has Southeast provided me with close connections, but it has also provided me with amazing opportunities, like my work study,” she said.
After graduating with her associate of science degree this December, Leah plans to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University in January where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work.
“My dream is to build a therapeutic riding stable. Riding horses has played a significant role in my life, and I want others to be able to experience the benefits of riding, mentally and physically,” Leah said.
According to Professor Carlton Hughes, Leah shows a sense of excellence in everything she does. “Her hard work and determination earned her one of the highest grades in the course. Beyond that, I have worked with Leah through her work-study with Student Services. Most recently, she helped organize our packing party for Operation Christmas Child. Her keen organizational skills and dedication helped make the program a great success this year!” he said.
Leah’s dedication to excellence does not end in the classroom.
Her supervisor, Katina Fields, said, “Leah has been an incredible student worker. She has great ambition and initiative and brought high energy to our office."
Fields said that Sturgill coordinated many student activities this past year.
"Leah has a huge heart for others and continuously shows dedication and service to others during times of need. She is brilliant and talented, on and off campus," Katina said.
