February 27, 2026

East Mississippi Community College sophomore Emma Morgan was at work when she received an email stating she was selected as a 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

A biology major at EMCC, Morgan graduates in May and plans to continue her studies at a university to earn a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical school. Morgan said her immediate reaction when learning of the PTK scholarship was one of shock, followed by relief.

“I’ve actually been dreading graduating from EMCC because baccalaureate studies at a university can be expensive,” Morgan said. “The scholarship helps take the pressure off since that is less money I will have to pay out in loans.”

Guistwhite Scholars are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership accomplishment, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. Thousands of students apply for the prestigious scholarship that is typically awarded to 20 recipients nationwide each year.

Morgan is enrolled on EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus, where she serves as vice president of service for the college’s Beta Iota Zeta chapter of PTK, an international honor society for two-year college students. Morgan is also vice president of the Golden Triangle campus Student Government Association.

She credits PTK and SGA with helping her find herself while instilling a sense of confidence.

“I had the worst stage fright and anxiety doing anything public when I first came to EMCC,” Morgan said. “Since joining the Student Government Association and being selected as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa, I’ve spoken at Veteran’s Day programs and at PTK induction ceremonies. Phi Theta Kappa has given me a voice for things I care about and made me put things into action. SGA has taught how to organize and manage all of that.”

PTK Beta Iota Zeta advisor and sociology instructor Dr. Brian Tesch said he is proud of Morgan.

“Emma is an amazing woman and an amazing student,” Tesch said. “She deserves this.”

In addition to the scholarship, Morgan will receive a medallion. Phi Theta Kappa will also recognize the 2026 Guistwhite Scholars as a group on stage during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the honor society’s annual convention that will take place March 26-28 in Baltimore, Maryland.

A native of Flora, Mississippi, Morgan, who now resides in Starkville, said when choosing a college, she liked the fact EMCC is far enough from her hometown to allow her to experience life on her own.

“I guess sometimes you have to get away from home to find yourself a little bit and to find out what you want to do,” Morgan said.

Determined to experience all EMCC has to offer, Morgan immersed herself in student activities at the college. She and other Phi Theta Kappa members are working to establish a food pantry on EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus and they conducted a study on non-traditional nursing students earlier this year that, among other things, highlights the challenges they face.

Morgan volunteers with the child development center on EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus, reading to pre-K students, and she is active in Starkville Strong, a nonprofit group that addresses the issues of food insecurity, homelessness, housing insecurity and community advocacy.

She also works with fellow SGA members on college projects.

"I would define Emma’s leadership as a combination of care, followed by action,” said EMCC Dean of Students LeAnn Alexander, who also serves as an advisor to the Golden Triangle campus SGA. “As vice president of SGA, she didn't just brainstorm projects; she executed them with a focus on serving the student body. Her legacy at EMCC is one truly of dedicated service."

Morgan grew up exposed to healthcare. Her father is a paramedic. When she enrolled at EMCC, she wasn’t sure what educational route she wanted to take though.

“I had no direction and no idea what I wanted to do in college and in life,” Morgan said.

At EMCC, she found that she really enjoys both biology and microbiology. Late in her first semester, something clicked and Morgan realized what she really wants to do is pursue a career in medicine.

“Now, I really don’t see myself being fulfilled by doing anything else in life,” Morgan said. “I see myself talking to people, learning about their problems and doing what I can to help solve those problems. Then, hopefully helping them to get better.”