Montrose Student Named Finalist for UCM Provost Excellence Scholarship

Kelsey Carter among six finalists for UCM's top academic award

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Kelsey Carter of Montrose, Missouri, was named one of six finalists for the University of Central Missouri's (UCM) second annual Provost Excellence Scholarship. The Provost Excellence Scholarship is UCM's top financial award, offering recipients up to $16,000 to support their educational journeys at the university.

Why it matters

The Provost Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and community leadership. Being named a finalist is a significant accomplishment that highlights Carter's well-rounded achievements and her potential to become a future leader.

The details

Carter, a Montrose R-XIV High School senior, plans to major in Early Childhood Education. She is involved in numerous high school and community activities, including Montrose FFA, National Honor Society, FBLA, varsity sports, and the Missouri State 4-H Council, where she serves as president. As a finalist, Carter attended a campus experience at UCM, which included a campus tour, academic meetings, and a formal interview with the scholarship selection committee.

  • Kelsey Carter was named one of six finalists for the 2025-26 Provost Excellence Scholarship on February 17, 2026.
  • The Provost Excellence Scholarship campus experience for finalists took place on February 6-7, 2026.
  • The Provost Excellence Scholarship recipients were announced during a Mules basketball game on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Carter

A senior at Montrose R-XIV High School in Montrose, Missouri, who was named a finalist for the University of Central Missouri's Provost Excellence Scholarship.

University of Central Missouri (UCM)

A public university located in Warrensburg, Missouri, that offers the Provost Excellence Scholarship as its top financial award for incoming students.

Tim Crowley

The provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Central Missouri.

Chris Lang

The assistant vice provost for Admissions, Analytics and Financial Aid at the University of Central Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“The Provost Excellence Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a recognition of students who embody our 'Education for Service' motto and values through both academic rigor and community leadership.”

— Tim Crowley, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (mykdkd.com)

“I have a few friends that came here for Education, and they said they really loved it. I've heard that UCM is a service school, and I love serving others. I think that's what brought me into the profession of teaching, and so I would love to gain that service at UCM.”

— Kelsey Carter (mykdkd.com)

“It's always a very exciting time hosting such amazing students on campus who embody all that UCM is and stands for. Each one of the finalists brings incredible experiences and achievements that they should be very proud of. Congratulations to Jake and Savannah for being selected as this year's recipients.”

— Chris Lang, Assistant Vice Provost for Admissions, Analytics and Financial Aid (mykdkd.com)

What’s next

The University of Central Missouri will announce the two Provost Excellence Scholarship recipients at the Mules basketball game on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The Provost Excellence Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri recognizes well-rounded students who excel academically and demonstrate a commitment to service and leadership in their communities. Kelsey Carter's selection as a finalist highlights her outstanding achievements and her potential to become a future leader in the field of education.