Otero College Announces 2026 President’s Leadership Scholars, Applications Open for 2026–2027 Program

Description: The Otero College President’s Leadership program will present six students with Leadership Certificates in May. The students who were selected for the program and earned scholarships include (l-r): Livia Smith, La Junta; Masen Lopez, Fruita; Chris Chavez, La Junta; Matthew Avens, La Junta; Kade Fisher, Avondale and Sienna Smith, Oak Forest, Illinois.

 

LA JUNTA – Students named as President’s Leadership Program (PLP) Scholars for 2026 were awarded scholarship for Spring Semester and will be earning Leadership Certificates during graduation ceremonies in May. Those students include Livia Smith, La Junta; Masen Lopez, Fruita; Chris Chavez, La Junta; Matthew Avens, La Junta; Kade Fisher, Avondale and Sienna Smith, Oak Forest, Illinois.

 

The PLP scholarships are funded by a generous donation from Barbara Franzman, and her late husband, Seth Franzman. Seth Franzman attended schools in Crowley County and Cheraw. He graduated from Otero (Junior) College in 1958 and credited his education experience at Otero with the path that eventually led him to serve as the Property Tax Administrator for the State of Arizona. In addition to the PLP scholarships, the Fransman’s also annually award the Franzman Family Scholarship, Franzman Nursing Scholarship and an International student scholarship.

 

Applications for new students to enter the program for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open. Applicants are required to complete an application and participate in an interview process later this spring. Those students who are accepted into the program and awarded scholarships will enroll in two courses over the next academic year, focused on leadership, as well as participate in community service projects. They will be awarded a Leadership Certificate upon completion, and the two courses are transferable into a four-year college degree.

 

To learn more about the President’s Leadership Program, go to:

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION

 

 

PLP STUDENT PROFILES

 

 

Livia Smith, La Junta, is a 19-year-old Otero College student, pursuing an Associate of Science degree/Nursing, with plans to enter nursing as a career. Livia is a member of the Otero College softball team. In high school she held several offices in FBLA, was a state qualifier and was named FBLA Member of the Year. As she completes her education in nursing and enters the workforce, she believes that there are four characteristics of leadership that will be important to her future success. “To me, leadership means having integrity, having a vision; being able to communicate about that vision, and being decisive. A leader cannot be described in just one word or for doing just one thing, a person must have multiple qualities and continually work to enhance their leadership skills,” she said.

 

 

Masen Lopez, Fruita, is a 19-year-old Otero College student, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree/Business, with plans to enter banking as a career. Masen is a member of the Otero College baseball team. Masen was involved in many clubs and organizations in high school and especially enjoyed coaching youth baseball. As Masen prepares to move into the field of banking, he thinks that integrity and empathy are important qualities of good leaders. “When people know they can trust someone to be honest, ethical and responsible, they are more likely to respect and follow that leader. In addition, empathy is also important. When leaders know and are concerned about how people feel, they develop better relationships with their subordinates,” he explained.

 

 

Chris Chavez, La Junta, is a 19-year-old Otero College student, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree/Business and Real Estate. In high school Chris served as president of the FBLA and was a member of the National Honors Society, where he earned the Presidential Award. Chris has had an interest in real estate for several years and is currently working toward testing for a Colorado Real Estate License. Chris sees communication as a key skill in his future career and leadership roles. “Good communication helps everyone understand their goals, roles and expectations. When a leader listens and gives feedback, team members feel heard and valued. When combined with integrity, empathy and responsibility, a good leader creates trust, teamwork and success in any environment,” he said.

 

 

Matthew Avens, La Junta, is a 19-year-old student at Otero College. He is currently taking courses in Criminal Justice that will prepare him to enter the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Otero. His future goal is to become a law enforcement officer. Matthew has worked for several years for the La Junta Police Department and has had numerous work experiences that will prepare him for his career in law enforcement. Matthew said his work experience has given him the opportunity to watch and learn from his supervisors and other law officers and seek to develop many of the leadership characteristics he’s seen in them. “I’ve worked with people who are dependable, honest, and knowledgeable. Their examples of leadership have changed my life in many ways. I now realize that I don’t need to be anxious about my future, by following the examples I’ve seen, I feel confident I can rise to their level,” he said.

 

 

Kade Fisher, Avondale, is an 18-year-old student at Otero College. He is pursuing an Associate of Science degree/Kinesiology, with plans to become a physical therapist. Kade spent over 10 years as a 4-H member in Pueblo County, serving in many leadership roles. He has also worked as a mentor for the YMCA and was involved with UCHealth as a STEP Student, preparing for his future career in physical therapy. Kade is a member of the Otero College men’s soccer team. As a leader on the soccer field, Kade has seen that accountability is a critical quality for leadership. “Accountability is one of the most effective ways a leader can be great, because it allows other to first trust and secondly, know they are in protected and safe hands. I have seen many great leaders take accountability/responsibility for not only their actions, but on some occasions for those they guide,” he stated.

 

 

Sienna Smith, Oak Forest, Illinois, is an 18-year-old student at Otero College.  She is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree/Elementary Education with plans to become a teacher. Sienna is a member of the Otero College women’s volleyball team. For Sienna, one of the keys to leadership is confidence. “Knowing your power but also having the confidence to pivot quickly if things go wrong. This comes from having confidence in your skills and the people who surround you. A confident leader helps to build confidence among those they lead that their goals will be achieved,” she explained. “I plan to follow the leadership examples that so many people in my life have shown me and hopefully have the same great impact on others that the I’ve gained from my mentors.”

 

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