Mesalands student selected for team

Mesalands Community College announced 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 awards ceremony at the capitol 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 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 growth and development though participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Smith is from Jacksonville, Florida, 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 said 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 graduate 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.

“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.”