March 12, 2019

(left) Mesalands Community College student Brandon Smith was joined by Dr. Aaron Kennedy, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Natalie Gillard, Vice President of Academic Affairs (not in photo) at the 2019 PTK New Mexico All-State Academic Team Recognition ceremony at the State Capitol.

Mesalands Community College is pleased to announce that Brandon Smith, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society, was selected to the 2019 PTK New Mexico All-State Academic Team. Smith was recently recognized during a special award’s ceremony at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe.

PTK recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students. Full-time, degree-seeking students with a grade point average (GPA) of a 3.5 or higher, are eligible to join. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 to remain in good standing. PTK provides opportunities for individual growth and development though participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Brandon Smith is from Jacksonville, FL and has been a member of PTK for almost two years. He also serves as President of the Wind Energy Club and is a member of Student Government. He says visiting the State Capitol and being recognized for this honor, was a humbling experience.

“I was proud after everything I’ve done,” Smith said. “It was an accumulation of everything I’ve been working for!”

Smith will be graduating in May with an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy Technology. In the fall, Smith plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM.

“I would like to teach others of the benefits of renewable energy and inspire others to support it,” Smith said. “I want to continue my education and help wind energy become an everyday facet of American life.”