Cowley Press

Every year Cowley nominates a single “Student of the Year” from each of the candidates who have been nominated for “Student of the month.” This year, Ali Nittler, Cowley’s September 2009 Student of the month, and the 78th Queen Alalah, has been awarded the honor of being nominated for Cowley “Student of the Year.”

Ali Nittler, an Ark City native, is no stranger to success having been selected as her high school valedictorian at graduation.

Her two siblings are sister, Lindsey 28, and brother, Adam 23 – both of whom have attended Cowley setting the example for Ali to follow.

Along with her siblings attending Cowley, Ali’s mother, Deb Nittler, social science instructor, was the head volleyball coach here from 1986-2000 and holds the school-record for most career wins (389). Ali also has a cousin, April Nittler, who is an instructor in the college’s Natural Science Department.

From softball, to being Queen Alalah, to taking care of family, Ali Nittler does a lot. She juggles schoolwork, jobs, and family and certainly has worked hard enough to deserve this award.

How do you feel about being selected as Student of the Year?

I was excited – I thought Phuong Huynh was going to get it. But it was nice to know that all my hard work was recognized

Who is your role model? What impresses you most about how they live their life and why?

“My niece Adrianna would have to be my role model because she has been through so many trials in her life and has overcome each and every one of them.”

Do you have any regrets from your time at Cowley?

I secluded myself and kept to my boyfriend. I didn’t make time to spend with my friends. I loved the last month because I got to spend more time with my friend. I wish I would have started earlier because we will be gone in a couple of weeks.

What are your plans for after Cowley?

“After Cowley, I will be attending Wichita State University.”
What is your major?

“My major is Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. However, once I transfer to Wichita State University, it will more than likely morph into just Accounting.”
What sorts of things do you like doing outdoors?

“If you talk to my mom, she would probably say nothing. She does the outdoors, I clean the in. However, I have somewhat went outside my boundaries and I have touched a worm to fish, taken the fish off the hook, and skinned a deer, all by myself. Believe it… or not.”

Do you own a vehicle? What is it?

“I don’t own my vehicle, my parents own it. But, it is a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT, that is suppose to be green, but it looks somewhat brown right now due to how dirty it is. If you ever ride with me, you will hear an annoying clicking noise, because I have a relay switch out apparently. Other than that, its great!”

Read any books lately? Have suggestions for any good books you’ve read in the past?

“I actually love to read! I have read the Twilight series, of course, but I am currently reading The Shack. I’m always up for a good book, a bowl of popcorn, and an ice cold Pepsi.”

Where do you reside from? Where did you graduate High School? Do you visit often?

“I reside from Arkansas City, thus graduating from Arkansas City High School. Technically, I wouldn’t call it visiting, because I have never left in order to come back and visit.”

What are you plans for the summer?

“Work, unfortunately.”

What are some of the things are going to miss?

I’ll miss seeing my mom everyday and I will miss waking into the office and knowing everybody. I really like the friendly atmosphere here.

What is your advice for future freshmen?

Don’t hold anything back. If you want to try anything new, just do it. Do not be scared, no body knows you here and it is a chance to start fresh.

What advice do you have for future sophomores?

Don’t procrastinate, because it’s not fun. Get your work done first, and then have fun. That way you won’t waste your college experience working.

Other than educationally, what is something you have learned?

Take everything for what it’s worth, and take nothing for granted. Everything you do adds to who you are.