Baker College student receives Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship

Baker College of Flint student Wannetta Reid, of Flint, is a 2016 winner of the $1,000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled at a college in Genesee County who have demonstrated academic excellence and the characteristics and ideals of Dr. King. It is administered by the Dr. MLK Tribute Planning Committee.

“We at Baker College of Flint are proud that one of our most dedicated students is recognized by receiving this prestigious scholarship,” said Wen Hemingway, MBA, CTP, Baker College of Flint president. “Wannetta exemplifies what can be accomplished in school and in our community when we aspire to achieve.”

Reid said, “Dr. King has inspired me to become a leader in my personal life and community, and I want to inspire others to achieve their dreams. Being the first to attend college in my family has been my dream and a huge accomplishment. I will pass the torch to my two children, whom I hope will follow in my foot steps.”

Reid’s educational journey to complete a bachelor’s in early childhood education is one of perseverance. Among the many obstacles she has had to overcome is when her son was seriously injured in an automobile accident.

“He sustained a traumatic brain injury, which required much of my attention,” she said. “But, I’ve never given up on my dream, and I encourage others to do the same.”

Reid earned an associate degree at Mott Community College between 2003 and 2008, and started work on a bachelor’s at Baker College in 2012. She plans to graduate March 2017. Her 3.9 GPA is reflective of her appearance on the Dean’s or President’s list all but two quarters while at Baker College.

“When I received my associate degree, I knew I would need to continue my education,” she recalled. “I want to have more career choices and be qualified to be a member of my employer’s leadership team to make decisions and have a greater impact on the lives of children and their families.”

Although her educational pursuit and the welfare of her children play significant roles in her life, she is also involved in the community. Reid volunteers for monthly food and clothing giveaways at her church where she sings in the choir and teaches Sunday school.

“I have had a positive experience at Baker College of Flint,” Reid said. “The instructors and staff really care and have helped me to be successful. I am thankful for being the first Baker College student to apply for and be awarded this prestigious scholarship.”

For more information about the education program at Baker College of Flint, contact Kevin Pnacek in the admissions office at 810.766.4000 or kevin.pnacek@baker.edu or visit www.baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 23,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

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