Emmy Meyer-Pratt is an alumni of K-State Polytechnic Campus. She double majored in Family Studies and Human Services (FSHS) as well as Personal Financial Planning (PFP). She completed both degrees in four years. She is currently the Treasurer of the Board of Education/Assistant Business Manager for USD 306 Southeast of Saline School District.
Emmy chose K-State Polytechnic because she was born and raised near Salina, KS and wanted to stay close to her family and save as much money as possible while attending school by living with her family. Although Emmy was in the age range of a traditional student she stated that she felt she was more of a non-traditional student as she did not live on campus and worked full time while also going to school full time. She stated, “K-State Polytechnic is a unique campus with a non-traditional feel, so I felt very at home there! Even though I was in general education classes as a freshman, the class sizes didn’t feel overwhelming like I have heard it can be on large university campuses. Along with the class sizes being small & intimate, the wide variety of people and age differences really impacted me. I loved learning from the diverse group as everyone was so different and could share experiences or comment during class.”
Kansas State University Polytechnic, and is a first generation college student. Dr. Newsom grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She loved school and books from a young age and quickly became interested in basketball. Even though Dr. Newsom was still in elementary school when she started playing basketball, a family friend was coaching 7th grade basketball and took an interest in her. He bought her basketball shoes, took her to basketball camp, went to her games, mentored her, and believed in her. Dr. Newsom contributes this mentor as a positive influence in her life that helped her to further herself and her education.
Outstanding Student and she was also selected as the recipient of the College of Human Ecology Outstanding Senior Student Engagement Award. In addition to Lien’s outstanding work in the classroom, Lien is also an advocate for the betterment of individuals and families in the Salina community. This is demonstrated by the volunteer work Lien has done with the Ashby House and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK). Lien has continued contributing to DVACK through her internship this semester during which she advocates for clients, organizes donations, and provides crisis line assistance. Lien was also recently hired by DVACK to work as a Sexual Assault Advocate. Because of Lien’s dedication to her academic work and the contributions she’s made to individuals and families in the Salina community, she is well deserving of these awards.