BRISTOL, Tenn., March 19, 2019 — Cori Baker, a Mountain Empire Community College student who is on track to graduate in May, has won a full scholarship to King University.
Results of the 14th annual College Dream Scholarship, a contest sponsored by 98.5 WTFM and Classic Hits 102.7, were announced during a live broadcast from campus on Monday. After earning her associate’s degree in Nursing from MECC in May, Cori plans to use the scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree at King.
“God did something incredible in my life that I want to share with others,” she said. “With this incredible opportunity, I will be in an amazing position to spread the heart of Jesus through my work. I would eventually like to travel and do missionary work with my degree. I want to be a light to every single person who needs me.”
To enter, applicants were required to submit an essay telling their story and explaining how the scholarship would allow them to achieve their dream of completing a bachelor’s degree. A team of college representatives narrowed the pool of applicants to five finalists, who were interviewed by the sponsoring radio stations. Members of the public were then invited to vote.
Baker, who garnered more than 5,000 votes, lives in Weber City, Virginia, and enrolled in MECC’s two-year nursing program in May 2017.
“We are overjoyed to welcome Cori to the King community,” said Ashley Hartless, Interim Director of Enrollment Management – Adult & Graduate Studies. “Her enthusiasm to serve others on a global level is at the heart of King’s mission and, undoubtedly, what led others to vote her as this year’s College Dream winner.”
In addition to a full-tuition scholarship to King, Baker will receive textbooks at no cost and a $50 gift certificate from the King University Tornado Alley Shoppe.