GADSDEN, AL – Gadsden State Community College student Collins Davis has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar, an honor that comes with a $1,000 scholarship. He is one of 50 students selected nationwide at the bronze level, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service.
“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 Foundation, which sponsors the scholarship program. “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.”
The Coca-Cola Academic Team includes 50 Gold Scholars and 50 Silver Scholars in addition to the Bronze Scholars. To be considered, students must be members of Phi Theta Kappa, the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievements of community college students. With more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations, PTK offers opportunities for leadership, community service and academic growth. Davis serves as president of Gadsden State’s Rho Rho Chapter of PTK.
The scholarship winners will be recognized at PTK’s annual convention in Kansas City in April, where they will receive a commemorative medallion. Nearly $200,000 will be awarded to the students selected for the academic team.
“Being named a Bronze Scholar is an honor, and I’m proud to be recognized for my academic efforts,” Davis said. “It is also a reflection of the support I have received from my instructors, my family and the PTK community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Gadsden State on the Coca-Cola Academic Team.”
Melissa Davis, an orientation instructor at Gadsden State and the advisor for the Rho Rho Chapter of PTK, expressed her pride in Davis’s achievement.
“Collins has shown incredible dedication and leadership both in the classroom and within the PTK chapter,” she said. “His hard work and commitment to excellence are evident, and I am so proud of his accomplishments.”
Davis, a native of Southside, is currently working toward an associate degree in general studies at Gadsden State. After a couple of years as a dual enrollment student, he became a full-time student in the Fall of 2023. He has maintained a 3.83 GPA and will graduate in May.
“I chose Gadsden State because it offered me the best opportunity to further my education, and it opened doors to expand my horizons with my academic and career aspirations,” he said.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Davis has worked in his father’s insurance agency, which has inspired his career goal to one day manage his own agency.
“After working in insurance with my dad, I have developed a passion for being able to help others,” he said. “Insurance agents help people prepare for the unexpected. Insurance ensures that when life’s challenges arise, our clients aren’t alone. Insurance is about making a difference in people’s lives by offering support during difficult times, so they can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.”
Davis said he is certain that his time at Gadsden State has prepared him for a career in the insurance industry.
“Making the choice to attend Gadsden State has been a great one for me,” he said. “Whether you want to pursue an associate degree or obtain a bachelor’s or beyond, Gadsden State is a wonderful place that will put you in the best opportunity to achieve your goals and aspirations.”
For more information about Gadsden State, its student life options and its academic, health and technical programs, visit www.GadsdenState.edu.
Gadsden State Community College student Collins Davis has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar
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