Jocelyn Garcia Named 2024 Guistwhite Scholar

Uvalde, TX, March 20, 2024 - Cotulla native Jocelyn Garcia, a student at Southwest Texas Junior College, is one of eight Phi Theta Kappa members selected as a 2024 Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.

Winners were chosen from among 3,000 applicants nationwide, and their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.

This is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.

“What Dr. Guistwhite started nearly 50 years ago has become a transformational force in the lives of PTK members and has resulted in more than 800 colleges and universities designating transfer scholarships for our students,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “It is fitting that we continue to honor our students who excel in scholarship and leadership as Guistwhite Scholars in celebration of Jack and Margaret.”

Garcia is currently enrolled in the vocational nursing program at SWTJC, where she is gaining a solid foundation in the fundamentals of nursing. Her ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse, and to achieve this, she plans to pursue further education and training. She is considering three options for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, or San Antonio College.