TCC Student Earns National Transfer Scholarship

TCC Mechanical Engineering student Luke Crocker was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year in last-dollar funding, along with advising and academic support.

Tulsa Community College graduate Luke Crocker has been selected as a recipient of the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, one of the nation’s most competitive scholarships for community college students.

Crocker, a recent graduate of TCC’s Mechanical Engineering program, is one of 60 students nationwide named a finalist for the scholarship, and one of only two students from Oklahoma. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year in last-dollar funding, along with advising and academic support to help students complete bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions.

More than 1,300 students applied for the scholarship this year. According to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and unmet financial need.

Crocker was one of two TCC students named semifinalists for the scholarship in April.

“It’s been an honor to represent TCC at the Cooke Foundation. I’m excited to see what the future holds,” he says.

The scholarship will allow Crocker to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee.

“I love learning how the world works,” says Crocker. “Nuclear science has always been interesting to me. I think it has very strong energy prospects for the world in replacing fossil fuels.”

This summer, he will participate in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where he will gain additional experience in the field.

“TCC is incredibly proud of Luke. His selection as a Jack Kent Cooke scholar is an extraordinary achievement he has earned through hard work and perseverance,” says TCC President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D. “The scholarship opens doors to tremendous opportunities, and we are excited to see all that Luke will do next.”

At TCC, Crocker was involved in the Honors Program and Motivated Scholars, and credits the programs with helping shape his time at the college. Honors Program Coordinator and Associate Professor Kirk Brewer worked closely with Crocker through the scholarship process, reviewing essays and preparing for interviews.

“One thing I learned about Luke is that he is not afraid to ask questions. In fact, that's kind of his brand,” says Brewer. “He pursued his knowledge aggressively. He was willing to admit when he didn't know something, and he was brave enough to ask for help or guidance.”

A unique part of Crocker’s story is that his mother, Margie Crocker, is also a TCC student. During a reception celebrating the scholarship, Crocker thanked his family for supporting his educational journey and gave special recognition to his mother.

“I also want to give a special shout out to my mom, who is currently finishing her degree at TCC,” Crocker said. “Seeing her and other nontraditional students has been uplifting and inspiring.”

Crocker also used the occasion to recognize the faculty, staff, family members, and friends who helped him reach the milestone.

“Each of you were invited because you personally contributed to this achievement,” he said. “This victory is yours as much as it is mine.”