Following after her sister, Jenna, Shanna Nichols decided to attend Cowley College’s main campus in Arkansas City after graduating from Augusta High School in 2020. The decision has paid off for Nichols as she was recently named the college’s September 2021 Student of the Month.
Nichols is the daughter of Bruce and Paula Nichols. Along with her sister, Jenna, who served as Cowley College’s campus photographer, Nichols has another sister, Karra, and two half siblings, Sarrah and Chase. Her grandmother, Sharon McKinney, resides in Augusta.
Growing up in Augusta, Shanna wanted to branch out a bit and forego attending area colleges such as Butler Community College. Instead, having heard what a good experience her sister Jenna had at Cowley, she decided to give the school in Ark City a try.
“I am so glad I decided to come to Cowley,” Nichols said. “I love it here; the school has been great.”
The psychology major has a 4.0 grade point average.
According to director of student housing Lynlea Bartlett, Shanna is a very positive person who takes her course work seriously.
“She jumped into life at Cowley College her freshmen year,” Bartlett said. “She has continued to get involved in her sophomore year at Cowley, as well. She is a participant in clubs, works on campus and is a role model through all of her actions.”
At Cowley, Nichols is a resident assistant at The Lodge dormitory and also serves as a work-study in the Student Center Game Room. She came to Cowley on an ACES (Academic Civic Engagement Through Service) Scholarship and was honored at the spring Awards Banquet for her work with the organization.
The member of the Dean’s Honor Roll volunteers between 80-85 hours per semester for ACES activities and spends nearly every weekend assisting ACES within the Ark City community.
“I enjoy volunteering and staying busy, but know my homework comes first,” Nichols said.
Being named the September Student of the Month is an honor that Nichols does not take lightly.
“This is special,” Nichols said. “This means a lot to me and I am proud my hard work was recognized.”
After Cowley she plans to transfer to Fort Hays State University or begin working toward her career aspirations.
“I may want to work with kids, renovate houses in Cedar Vale, or open a wood crafting business,” Nichols said.
On the path she is on, the sky is the limit for this September Student of the Month.