Cowley College Names Eliza Ward October 2026 Student of the Month

Cowley College has named Eliza Ward, a 19-year-old English major from Arkansas City, Kansas, the October 2026 Student of the Month. With a passion for literature, creative writing and the performing arts, Ward has made the most of her college experience through academic achievement, student leadership and community involvement.

A graduate of Arkansas City High School, Ward has maintained a 3.53 GPA while balancing her coursework with two jobs and an active role in several campus organizations.

Ward currently serves as president of Creative Claws, Cowley College's creative writing club, where she shares her enthusiasm for storytelling and encourages fellow students to explore their creativity. She also serves as secretary and vice president of Act One, the college's drama and acting club.

Her involvement extends beyond student leadership. Ward is an active performer in Cowley's concert choir, CC Singers and theatre program, allowing her to pursue her interests in music and the performing arts alongside her studies in English.

In addition to her academic and extracurricular commitments, Ward works as a student employee on campus under Lindsay Allen and spends her weekends interning at the Cowley County Historical Society Museum. Her work at the museum provides an opportunity to engage with local history while gaining valuable professional experience.

Community involvement is also important to Ward. Outside of college, she occasionally volunteers with the Winfield Masonic Lodge, where her grandfather is a member, lending a helping hand with community activities.

For Ward, attending Cowley College was a decision shaped by personal circumstances and a renewed consideration of her educational goals. Following a family situation that prompted her to reconsider where she wanted to pursue higher education, she chose Cowley as the place to begin the next chapter of her academic journey.

Her connection to the college also runs in the family. Her mother, Charlene Ward, is an Arkansas City native and graduate of both Arkansas City High School and Cowley College. She currently teaches special education at Winfield Middle School. Her father, Dustin Ward, originally from Texas, grew up in Winfield and works as the office manager at the Cowley County Historical Society Museum. Ward also has a younger brother, Samuel, who is 16 and a junior at Arkansas City High School.

Following graduation from Cowley, Ward plans to continue her education through Fort Hays State University, where she intends to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in literature through the university's online program. She hopes to balance her continued education with employment while remaining involved in theatre during her free time.

Being selected as October's Student of the Month came as an unexpected and meaningful recognition for Ward.

"Being named Student of the Month is an incredible honor and I’m so blessed to be considered!" Ward said. "It was such an amazing surprise when Peyton came and gave me the news!"

Through her dedication to academics, creative expression, campus leadership and community service, Ward continues to make a positive impact at Cowley College while preparing for a future centered on her passion for literature and the arts.

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