Colby Community College nursing student Arthur Turley was recognized as a member of the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Kansas Academic Team during the annual PTK Honors Luncheon held April 11 in Topeka.

Turley, a sophomore from Leoti and a 2011 graduate of Wichita County High School, was honored for his academic excellence and leadership as part of the national honor society for two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa emphasizes scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship and provides transfer scholarships and professional growth opportunities. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.

College President Dr. Seth Carter, Executive Vice President Nikol Nolan, Vice President of Academic Affairs Angel Morrison, Vice President of Vice President of Finance and Operations Justin Villmer, PTK advisor Sami Talsma, and Board of Trustees member Arlen Leiker were among those who attended the event alongside representatives from Kansas universities, legislators, and Kansas Board of Regents staff.

“I have enjoyed my time here at CCC,” said Turley. “I would like to thank the Lord for the opportunities he has given me while attending this great college, and I am thankful for my wife Stephanie, daughter Emilee, and the support of my nursing instructor Rikki.”

Turley credited PTK advisor Sami Talsma for encouraging him to reach his potential.

"She helped me realize I am smarter than I could have ever imagined," he said.

He also thanked Mike Nickelson, whom he described as a father figure and lifelong supporter.

"He is a true friend who is always a phone call away. He has been there for me for a lot of my ups and downs in life. I am glad I do not have to know where I would be if I hadn't met him."

In addition to earning All-Kansas Academic Team honors, Turley recently received the PTK Distinguished Member Award. Selected through the competitive Hallmark Awards process, he was recognized at the international level for exemplifying the society’s core values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Distinguished Members are honored for their active chapter involvement without holding an officer position.

After completing his degree at Colby, he plans to continue his education and serve rural communities in Southwest Kansas that are facing nursing shortages.

“As my words of encouragement,” he added, “You can return to school at any age. Anyone can thrive with the right teachers and support system on their side.”

As a member of the All-Kansas Academic Team, Turley is now a candidate for the prestigious All-USA Academic Team.