Kamya Paten, an elementary education major at Alcorn State University, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Linda Anglin Teacher Preparation Scholarship from the Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE). Along with the $500 award, Paten will receive complimentary MPE membership during her first year of teaching.

Dr. Tracey Gregory, dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University, was able to present the award personally to Paten in her role as MPE board president.

“On behalf of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University, we are proud to celebrate Kamya Paten as a recipient of the 2026 Linda Anglin Teacher Preparation Scholarship from the Mississippi Professional Educators,” Gregory said. “It was especially meaningful, in my role as MPE board president, to call her name during the MPE Symposium. Kamya exemplifies the excellence, leadership, and commitment to service we seek in our future educators. We are confident she will make a meaningful impact in the field.”

Paten’s path to education began before she stepped into a college classroom.

“My inspiration for going into the field of teaching came from feeling that it was truly a calling on my life,” she said. “While I was in high school, I attended the Career Development Center, where I was offered a job working with children. From that moment on, I discovered the passion and joy I receive from teaching children knowledge that they will carry with them throughout their lives.”

She is clear about where her calling will lead.

“After college, I hope to teach 4th grade and pursue several goals, including starting my own tutoring program, renovating houses, and continuing to expand my hair business,” Paten said.

The scholarship arrived at what Paten described as exactly the right moment.

“Earning this scholarship means so much to me,” she said. “I am truly grateful, and it came as a right-on-time blessing, so I sincerely thank you [MPE] for choosing me. My experience at Alcorn has been wonderful because it feels very homey to me, like a home away from home. My advice for the next generation of students is to keep going and never give up. You can do anything you put your mind to.”

A native of Jackson, Miss., Paten is a President’s and Dean’s List scholar. She serves as captain of the Sounds of Dyn-O-mite Marching Band’s World Renowned Golden Girls dance team and is a member of Sigma Iota Phi Fraternity.