SPC student named Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar
South Plains College student Talon Ausbern of Tahoka has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by granting members nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Ausbern, a pre-engineering major, will also receive a commemorative medallion.
“It’s an honor to be nominated as a scholar for the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team,” Ausbern said. “I’m grateful that SPC faculty recognized my drive to excel as a student and my dedication to helping others. It is exciting to be part of this year’s team as I continue working toward a future in engineering."
College administrators nominate students for the academic team. Selection is based on 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,” Jane Hale Paulsen, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, said. “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.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in local and statewide ceremonies and internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, from March 26-28 in Baltimore, Maryland.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, said. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
About the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, the Foundation awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
