AK
Austin Knapp
  • Business Administration
  • Class of 2019
  • Paducah, KY

Austin Knapp of Paducah Named WKCTC Student of the Month

2017 Oct 13

Paducah's Austin Knapp was recently selected as West Kentucky Community and Technical College's September Student of the Month.

"I am very grateful to be selected as Student of the Month. I consider it an honor," said 19-year-old Knapp, a 2016 graduate of McCracken County High School. "My parents and grandparents have been instrumental in helping me achieve this award. They keep me focused and disciplined throughout each day. I have a standard of excellence that I'm to uphold," said Knapp, whose mother, Jo Ann, is the college's Medical Information Technology program coordinator. He also credits his instructors with helping him achieve the Student of the Month recognition. "They've made me push to be a better student and I'm learning each and every day."

Knapp serves as a WKCTC student ambassador and Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) president. PBL is a non-profit educational association for students preparing for careers in business, entrepreneurial or business-related fields. Knapp, who is studying business at WKCTC, won third place in Contemporary Sports Issues at the 2017 State PBL Leadership Conference in April.

Knapp is student assistant coach to the college's West Kentucky Stars club basketball team. West Kentucky Stars Coach Mike Chumbler praised Knapp's commitment to earning good grades and being involved on campus.

"Austin exemplifies what a student should be here at WKCTC," said Chumbler. "Austin is a respected member of our team, and we feel lucky to have him. He holds a Bible study each Friday for the players. They not only enjoy that time but look forward to it as well," Chumbler added. "Austin is not only a true asset to our basketball team but to the entire WKCTC campus."

As a Community Scholarship Program recipient, Knapp will earn his associate degree from WKCTC in May 2018, tuition free. "I am so blessed that it provided me with a deal I simply could not turn down."

After graduation, Knapp plans to transfer to Murray State University to earn a bachelor's and master's degree.

His other life goals include being on the honor roll every semester he's in college, which he said he is achieving so far because the great instructors who have made him strive to study and learn more; meeting professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer, Conor McGregor; and working hard to possibly become president of the United States someday.

"Most importantly I want to seek Jesus Christ more each day that I live...I want to have a better relationship with Him. That's my number one goal," said Knapp.

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.