Spotlight on Success: Michael King's Recent Scholarship Win

Michael King, a recent graduate of Cape Fear Community College, is celebrating a major milestone after being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer scholarship, a prestigious honor recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service. A proud member of Phi Theta Kappa since February of 2023, Michael served as resident mentor of the CFCC & PTK mentorship program and Vice President of Scholarship. This recognition reflects not only Michaels’s dedication to their studies, but also their passion for making a difference on campus and in the community. Michael will be starting in the fall of 2025 at Columbia University in New York City with a full ride scholarship.

Cape Fear Community College Press Release:

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:Christina Hallingse, Director of Media Relationschallingse@cfcc.edu | (910) 362-7256

CFCC Graduate Awarded Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship

Wilmington, NC (DATE) – Cape Fear Community College proudly announces that recent graduate Michael King has been awarded the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. King is one of only 90 community college students across the nation to receive this prestigious scholarship, which provides up to $55,000 per year to support the completion of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

This fall, King will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, joining the ranks of Ivy League scholars and fulfilling a dream years in the making. King’s journey at CFCC began as an adult high school student returning to the classroom to finish his high school education. Recognizing his potential and passion for helping others, he later enrolled in CFCC’s Human Services Technology/Addiction and Recovery Studies program. During his time at CFCC, he excelled academically and embraced leadership opportunities, becoming a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and joining the CFCC Honors Program. On May 9, 2025, King graduated from CFCC with honors.

“Cape Fear Community College has forever changed my life, and I will be eternally grateful to all my instructors and advisors who have helped me along the way,” said King. “They saw potential in me before I could see it in myself, and their encouragement has made all the difference.”

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships available to community college transfer students in the United States. The scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers academic advising, access to a community of scholars, and networking opportunities to support continued success.

“Michael’s story is the perfect example of how community colleges like CFCC serve as a powerful pathway to the world’s most prestigious universities,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “We are incredibly proud of his achievements and can’t wait to see the positive impact he will make in the field of human services.”

For more information on the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit jkcf.org.

-END-

For 65 years, Cape Fear Community College has served the citizens of New Hanover and Pender Counties with accessible, high-quality education, workforce training opportunities, and specialized services and support. With more than 24,000 students annually, Cape Fear Community College is the fifth-largest community college in North Carolina and a significant economic development partner in Southeastern NC. The college has four locations: Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Burgaw, and Surf City.