WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Kelsey Carter of Montrose, Missouri, was named one of six finalists for the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) second annual Provost Excellence Scholarship.
The Provost Excellence Scholarship is UCM’s top financial award, offering recipients up to $16,000 to support their educational journeys at the university. Renewable each year for up to four years, this scholarship rewards a high-achieving student who demonstrates excellence in all aspects of their life. New for 2025-26, the scholarship has been awarded to two well-rounded individuals — one incoming freshman and one incoming transfer student.
The other award finalists were Riley Ballenger of St. Louis, Missouri; Jillian Burks of Kansas City, Missouri; and Gracie Jones of Kirksville, Missouri; and scholarship recipients Jake Johnson of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Savannah Kerans of St. Peters, Missouri.
While only two Provost Excellence Scholars are named at the yearly scholarship event, all finalists qualify for an $8,000 renewable scholarship. All applicants also receive additional scholarship consideration, as 94% of UCM undergraduates receive financial aid.
“The Provost Excellence Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a recognition of students who embody our ‘Education for Service’ motto and values through both academic rigor and community leadership,” said Tim Crowley, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “As we welcome the 2026 finalists to campus, we are not just looking for high GPAs — we are looking for the next generation of leaders who will enrich our university and the region we serve. It is an honor to support these exceptional scholars as they begin their journey toward professional and personal success here at UCM.”
Carter, a Montrose R-XIV High School senior, plans to major in Early Childhood Education. She is the daughter of Wesley and Kimberly Carter.
Carter’s high school involvement includes Montrose FFA, Area 7 FFA, National Honor Society, FBLA, FCA, FTA, yearbook, student council, varsity cross country, varsity softball, varsity basketball, varsity track and field, and senior class president. In the community, Carter is involved with the Missouri State 4-H Council, Henry County 4-H Council, Montrose Busy Beavers and Montrose Junior Firefighters. She holds numerous leadership positions, including president of the Missouri 4-H Council, and has received several athletic honors.
As Carter decided to pursue a teaching career and began visiting colleges, she said UCM and its College of Education have been on her list since the very beginning.
“I have a few friends that came here for Education, and they said they really loved it,” Carter said. “I’ve heard that UCM is a service school, and I love serving others. I think that’s what brought me into the profession of teaching, and so I would love to gain that service at UCM.”
Carter lives on her family’s fifth-generation farm, making her the sixth generation to have an interest in agriculture. After earning a degree, Carter plans to teach at a small rural school and potentially become a coach, combining her passions for service, sports, education and agriculture.
The Provost Excellence Scholarship is awarded to well-rounded individuals who are academically deserving and deeply involved in extracurricular activities at their school or in their community.
Applicants must have a high school or college GPA of 3.85 or higher. They are required to submit an application that includes a personal statement discussing the impact of education on their lives, as well as a student involvement statement explaining how their involvement aligns with UCM’s values.
Finalists attended a unique campus experience on Feb. 6-7, which included a campus tour, academic meetings with faculty and college deans, interviews with the UCM News Bureau, attending a class for their expected major, making poster presentations and completing a formal interview with the scholarship selection committee.
The weekend concluded with students and their families watching Mules basketball defeat Washburn on Saturday, where the scholarship award winners were announced during the game.
“It’s always a very exciting time hosting such amazing students on campus who embody all that UCM is and stands for,” said Chris Lang, assistant vice provost for Admissions, Analytics and Financial Aid. “Each one of the finalists brings incredible experiences and achievements that they should be very proud of. Congratulations to Jake and Savannah for being selected as this year’s recipients.”
For more information about the UCM Office of Admissions, visit ucmo.edu/admissions.
