Jessi Ritchhart named September Student of the Month

As a child, Jessi Ritchhart was surrounded by a supportive and dedicated family in Leavenworth, Kansas. Her parents, Stacy and Bill, stressed commitment and hard work to their children from an early age. In addition to being her supporters, the two sand volleyball players sparked in Jessi a love of sports and teamwork. Her older sister, JoLee, also played volleyball, inspiring Jessi as she cheered for JoLee during her games and ultimately decided to follow in her footsteps.

At 19, Jessi is a pre-nursing major at Cowley College, where she has achieved a remarkable 4.0 GPA. She selected Cowley College for its supportive environment and commitment to student success. “The staff truly cares about the students,” Jessi often shares, reflecting on her positive experience. Her involvement in athletics has been significant as she plays among the National Champions of the Cowley Volleyball team, where her skills and dedication have earned her recognition among coaches and peers alike.

In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Jessi is a Certified Nursing Assistant at a Leavenworth hospital, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the healthcare field. She is also a Resident Assistant and Student Ambassador at Cowley, where she fosters community among students in Central Dorm and connects with prospective students while representing Cowley in a positive light.

Through the volleyball team, Jessi helps organize events such as a Pancake Breakfast, where teammates prepare and serve meals to community members. Additionally, she volunteers at Ark City Christian Academy, welcoming students on their first day of school and encouraging them to embrace their educational journeys.

Looking ahead, Jessi plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biology while continuing her path toward becoming a Registered Nurse. Her ultimate goal is to advance her education in a Physician Assistant Master’s program. She hopes to continue her volleyball career at a four-year university, where she can balance her passions for athletics and medicine.

This month, Jessi was named Cowley College's first Student of the Month for the academic year. She expressed immense gratitude for the support she has received from mentors and faculty, particularly recognizing the impact of her advisor, Stephanie. “I couldn't have achieved this without the support of my mentors and friends,” she stated.

A strong sense of faith guides Jessi’s life. She credits her success and opportunities to God, striving to embody the values she holds dear. “I want to give all the glory to God. I thank Him every day for this path,” she shares, emphasizing her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Jessi Ritchhart’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and community involvement. Dedicated to her studies, athletics, and service, she is prepared to impact healthcare and athletics. As she continues her journey, Jessi remains focused on her goals, ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu