Announcing the AAWCC Scholarship Awardees for 

2009-2010

Doctoral Scholarships (2010)

In response to the second annual AAWCC Doctoral Scholarship announcement, 22 candidates applied for the two awards of $3,000 each.  The two successful candidates are Cami Lee Eastep, from Walla Walla Community College in Washington, and Andrea Nichols, from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, in Missouri.

The focus of Ms. Eastep’s doctoral program is Servant Leadership.   She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies, as well as being a graduate of Walla Walla Community College.

                                                                             Cami Lee Eastep

She feels that her strengths lie in putting together meaningful leadership experiences for students, as well as co-workers.   Cami volunteers for IMPACT!, a program to help displaced women find the strength and skills to enter school or the workforce. 

Cami realizes the mission of AAWCC to maximize the potential of women as she was a 15 year old high school drop-out who now is well on her way to earning her Ph.D. at Gonzaga University.  This soon-to-be-mom travels 150 miles one way to attend classes two to three nights a month and is at the half way point of her goal to secure her Ph.D. 

In winning the scholarship, Ms. Eastep cites her dream to put together “mind/body/soul” workshops for women in her college so she can share her passion for health and authentic living in new and creative ways.  We wish you the best, Cami.

Ms. Nichols an assistant professor of Sociology with Master’s degrees in Sociology and Criminology.  She is working on her doctorate in Criminology at the University of Missouri—St. Louis with a primary focus on gender, including victim advocacy and organizations that serve victimized women.

Andrea is completely devoted to the community college and its mission.  Her career focus is on teaching, leadership, and advocacy.  According to one of the references from her doctoral studies, Andrea’s proposed dissertation is grounded in feminist theoretical work where she will trace the shifting

  Andrea Nichols

nature of domestic violence service provision over time.  Upon its completion, her work will likely have notable policy import.

Andrea’s commitment exhibits the walk beyond the talk as she regularly engages her students to help provide tangible products and services to women who are incarcerated. 

Ms. Nichols is a single parent of two young children and will use her scholarship award to focus on her dissertation in Spring 2011.  We are sure we will be hearing more from Andrea.

Congratulations to the AAWCC National Scholarship Winners for the 2009-10 School Year

Region 2     Olga Izreilova, Monroe Community College

Region 3     Shenna Sikora, Thomas Nelson Community                    College

Region 4     Rhonda Arthur, Ashland Community &                              Technical College

Region 5     Areclia Ortega, Harold Washington College

Region 8     Nicole Maxfield, Aims Community College

Region 10   Dee Christensen