Katie Kuykendall, WVU Potomac State College 2023 Outstanding Student of the Year, was all smiles when awarded this prestigious honor by WVU PSC Campus President Chris Gilmer (left) and Dean of Academic Affairs Phil Douthitt.
Katie Kuykendall, from Scherr, WV, was named the 2023 PSC Outstanding Student of the Year at WVU Potomac State College. She was a PSC Honors Program participant, a member of the Sigma Phi Omega Honor Society, and named to the President’s List for all semesters that she attended PSC.
Katie had an impactful and interesting college experience at PSC. Under the supervision of Spanish Instructor Dr. Julia Leverone, Katie served as a volunteer for the PSC Spanish Department’s bilingual reading initiative. She continues to volunteer at her local church, Cornerstone Family Fellowship, and interned at Kessel Lumber Products, Inc.
Katie believes that the availability and accessibility of the professors were major factors in helping her succeed. Their dedication in helping her navigate the difficulties of obtaining two associate degrees in two years also contributed to her success.
“Professor Amy Weaver has been in my corner since my first day on campus and has gone out of her way to help me succeed. She was the first person, outside of my family, to believe in me and my ambitions. I could not have wished for a better advisor, professor, and mentor during my time at PSC,” Katie said.
Katie graduated this past spring with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Technology and an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. She plans to continue her college journey on the WVU campus in Morgantown this fall.
When asked what knowledge she would like to pass along to incoming students, Katie had this to say, “Take advantage of everything Potomac State has to offer. Attend pop-up events and sporting events. Make new friends. Get to know your professors and peers because they will be part of your life for the next two to four years, and most importantly — have fun! While college is about course work and studying, it is also about creating memories.”