SCC students selected as distinguished scholars: Tipton as New Century Workforce Scholar and Denney as Coca-Cola Gold Scholar
Published on Apr 8, 2025
Sherri Tipton, a student at Somerset Community College (SCC) Laurel Campus, has been
named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.
Tipton is a dedicated student at SCC, pursuing an AAS in Medical Information Technology with plans to graduate in 2025. She holds diplomas as a Medical Records Specialist and Medical Administrative Assistant, along with certificates in Electronic Health Records and Hospital Admissions.
As a first-generation college student, Sherri is actively involved in campus life, serving as Vice President of Scholarship for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and as a member of the SCC Honors Program. Additionally, she was Vice President of the Ecology and Environmental Club in Fall 2024 and volunteers weekly at The Creek in London, KY.
With over 10 years of experience in healthcare, Sherri is committed to expanding her skills and making a positive impact in her community.
“We congratulate Tipton for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.
Additionally, Connor Denney, a student at SCC, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Denney is a 20-year-old student at Somerset Community College, pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Pre-Engineering, with plans to graduate in 2025. He aims to transfer to Western Kentucky University for a mechanical engineering degree, focusing on a career in the aerospace or automotive industry.
Active in campus life, Denney serves as the President of the Student Government Association and the Math and Science Club, as well as leading the Mu Alpha Theta and Sigma Zeta Honors Society chapters. Additionally, he is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and works as a Calculus and Physics Peer Mentor, demonstrating his commitment to both his studies and his peers.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
Dr. Carey Castle, President and CEO of Somerset Community College, praised the two stand-out scholars at SCC.
"We are incredibly proud of Sherri Tipton and Connor Denney for their outstanding achievements as the New Century Workforce Scholar and Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar,” Castle said. “Their dedication and leadership exemplify the spirit of Somerset Community College. Congratulations to both on reaching this significant milestone.”
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information, please visit The Coca-Cola Foundation.
About The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
