Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College student Collins Davis has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar, an esteemed recognition that comes with a $1,000 scholarship. Davis is among 50 students selected nationwide at the bronze level, which honors exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service involvement.
“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 also includes 50 Gold Scholars and 50 Silver Scholars. To be eligible for consideration, students must be members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier honor society recognizing the academic excellence of community college students. With more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters across nine nations, PTK offers leadership, community service, and academic enrichment opportunities. Davis currently serves as president of Gadsden State’s Rho Rho Chapter of PTK.
The scholarship winners will be honored at PTK’s annual convention in Kansas City in April, where they will receive a commemorative medallion. In total, nearly $200,000 will be awarded to 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, commended Davis for his dedication and leadership.
“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.”
A Southside native, Davis is pursuing an associate degree in general studies at Gadsden State. After starting as a dual enrollment student, he transitioned to full-time enrollment in the Fall of 2023. Maintaining a 3.83 GPA, he is set to graduate in May 2025.
“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.
Beyond academics, Davis has worked in his father’s insurance agency, which has shaped his career goal of managing his own agency in the future.
“After working in insurance with my dad, I have developed a passion for helping others,” he said. “Insurance agents help people prepare for the unexpected. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives by offering support during difficult times, so they can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.”
Davis is confident that his time at Gadsden State has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the insurance industry.
“Choosing to attend Gadsden State has been a great decision for me,” he said. “Whether you want to pursue an associate degree or go on to earn a bachelor’s, Gadsden State provides the foundation to help you achieve your goals and aspirations.”
