Amanda Threlkeld of Midwestern State University was named the “Collegian of the Year” by the Tornado Alley region of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity.

The Collegian of the Year (COY) program was established more than 40 years ago and is the highest fraternity honor bestowed upon a collegiate member in Delta Sigma Pi.

“When my name was called as the recipient for the Tornado Alley Region Collegian of the Year, I was speechless,” Threlkeld said. “I've worked really hard for the past three years through my different positions in the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi.”

Winners are chosen based on multiple criteria, including inter-chapter fraternity events, degree of leadership exhibited in Delta Sigma Pi, scholastic aptitude, and more. There are 31 regions in the U.S. At the Provincial level, Threlkeld had tough competition, finishing just behind Angelo State’s Cody Vasquez, the eventual national COY Award winner.

Threlkeld’s dedication and determination haven’t gone unnoticed, either.

“I am very proud of Amanda for having won the award,” said Jeff Stambaugh, the Dean of the Dillard College of Business Administration. “I’m even prouder of what she has learned and done in the process of winning the award. Our Delta Sigma Pi chapter is a key component of the Dillard College professional development program. Under Amanda’s leadership, the chapter has become an even more valuable asset for all Dillard students.”

Threlkeld is also a First Gen success story.

“I am a first-generation student, so the majority of my inspiration comes from establishing a better life for my family,” she said. “Also, I have a huge support system through my parents, professors, and fraternity that has continued to motivate and encourage me throughout.”

Threlkeld said she’s pursuing a business administration degree in accounting to gain her Certified Public Account (CPA) License. “Eventually, I’d like to become a forensic accountant for the FBI. While I am at MSU, I am not only striving to maintain my high GPA but to become a well-rounded individual that is involved on and off-campus. As I grow as a business student, I want to use this knowledge to help lead and retain students at Dillard College and MSU.”

Threlkeld had another challenge, as did all students, with adjusting to online classes. Not surprisingly, she found a silver lining.

“Initially, I struggled with the transition to life with online classes while still balancing work and other personal matters,” Threlkeld said. “I’m sure everyone misses their familiar structure pattern. I found the most effective route for me was to set certain times out of my day as I did for face-to-face classes. Although this season is stressful, I think it is a good reminder to always be flexible and to be grateful for the small things.”