Cowley College Names Avery Smith September 2026 Student of the Month

Cowley College has named Avery Smith of Girard, Kansas, the September 2026 Student of the Month.

A Mass Communications major, Smith is a 2025 graduate of Girard High School and currently holds a 3.93 GPA at Cowley. She was drawn to Cowley after receiving a Mass Communications scholarship and visiting campus.

“I loved how welcoming everyone on the campus was,” Smith said. “Even on the visit, I could tell everyone cared about student success. I knew this could be a place of growth and community for my future.”

Smith has embraced that community through her involvement in numerous campus organizations and activities. She serves as the photo editor for Media Club and is involved in Hope Squad, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student Senate Secretary, Student Ambassadors and the Resident Assistant program.

In addition to her campus involvement, Smith works as a library work-study student in Renn Memorial Library and operates her own photography business, Avery Marie Photography. Through her business, she photographs a variety of sessions, including senior portraits, families, events and weddings.

Smith also makes an effort to serve her community. Her volunteer experiences include helping at Angels in the Attic, participating in American Legion apple pie baking and taking part in World Kindness Day activities at an elementary school. She also attends Northside Baptist Church and is involved with Northside Young Adults.

When she is not busy with classes, campus activities, work or photography, Smith enjoys spending time with her Pomeranian, Charlie, whom she jokingly describes as her brother.

Smith credits the people around her at Cowley for making her Student of the Month recognition meaningful.

“This is truly an honor,” Smith said. “I am so blessed to be surrounded by a community that supports, believes, and encourages me to be able to have this recognition. Everyone on this campus has had a piece in this chapter of my life, and I will forever carry that with me.”

After graduating from Cowley, Smith plans to continue her education at Kansas State University, where she intends to pursue a degree in advertising and public relations.

Cowley College congratulates Avery Smith on becoming the September 2026 Student of the Month and recognizes her dedication to academics, campus involvement, community service and her future career.

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