Arizona Board of Regents announces 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship recipients

Arizona community college students and academic leadership from across the state gathered in Gilbert to honor and celebrate the 68 recipients of the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship. The prestigious award, provided by the Arizona Board of Regents, recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievements while in community college and their commitment to continue their higher education at one of Arizona’s public universities.

Each year, Regent Larry Penley participates in the award ceremony to acknowledge the honorees’ hard work, dedication and aspirations to earn their bachelor’s degrees. 

“It is a privilege to celebrate these hard-working students who exemplify determination and unwavering commitment to their education,” Regent Penley said. “Our three universities will provide them with tools and opportunities to expand their world view, acquire new skills and knowledge and address inevitable challenges in their careers.  I am honored to represent the Arizona Board of Regents in recognizing their accomplishments.”

At the recognition ceremony, coordinated by Mesa Community College on behalf of ABOR and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, each honoree walked across the stage and were presented with a certificate and medallion as a symbol of their hard-earned success. 

Malyssa Shaw, a student from Pima Community College pursuing a degree in liberal arts from the University of Arizona, felt a sense of accomplishment when she accepted her award.  

“This is such an honor and not something I thought was possible,” Shaw said. “It means so much to me and I’m so proud of myself.”

Earning a place on the All-Arizona Academic Team is a highly distinguished honor with recipients undergoing a rigorous selection process. To qualify for the award, students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing and working toward an associate’s degree, demonstrates leadership and gives back to their communities in various substantial ways. Students that qualify then undergo three rounds of judging from businesses and civic, education and government leaders at the state and national level.

These scholars are remarkable individuals, each with a passion to achieve academically, give back to their communities and reach even greater academic milestones at one of Arizona’s three public universities – Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. The scholarships they have earned offer opportunities and experiences to make those brilliant futures come to fruition.