Samantha Gatewood Douglas of Poplar Bluff has been named this year’s Three Rivers College Alumni Star. She will be honored at the Alumni Reunion festivities on February 4, including a reception that day.
“During her time at Three Rivers and beyond, Samantha has been engaged and involved,” said Michelle Reynolds, Director of Development at TRC. “She continues to share her enthusiasm and pride for the College in many ways.”
The Alumni Star award was created to showcase up-and-comers who got their start at Three Rivers College. Recipients are chosen based on their civic and professional involvement, and their lasting connection to Three Rivers College.
“Samantha is a great advocate for Three Rivers College,” Three Rivers President Dr. Wesley Payne said. “She is well-respected in the community, gives back in several ways, and attends several College events, specifically our Lady Raiders basketball games.”
Douglas earned a degree in business administration at Three Rivers in 2016, graduating with honors. She was part of the Lady Raiders basketball team, and also the ACHIEVE program, where she was a peer mentor and peer tutor. During her time at TRC, she was an ambassador and worked in the welcome center, assisted with College events, and conducted tours.
She received the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” award. As an active member of an NJCAA basketball team and maintaining a certain GPA, Douglas was an “NJCAA Exemplary Academic Award” honoree.
She later attended Arkansas State University and graduated with honors in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. During her studies, she was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, and was on the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma for being in the Top 10% of her class and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
“I am so proud to be a Three Rivers graduate, and much of my success comes from my years spent there,” said Douglas.
She is a Customer Service Representative at Farm Credit Southeast Missouri’s Dexter office. She and her husband, Mason, live in Poplar Bluff.
Douglas has asked that any honorary contributions be earmarked to scholarships for Three Rivers College students.
The reception for Douglas will be at 2 p.m. February 4 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Poplar Bluff Campus, with the award presentation taking place at 2:30 p.m. To RSVP, contact Michelle Reynolds, michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077. All are welcome, and Three Rivers Raiders apparel is appropriate for the reception and the Alumni Reunion events that follow.
Douglas will also be honored during the Alumni Reunion basketball games at 5 p.m. February 4 at the Libla Family Sports Complex. For this event, TRC alumni and former students receive free admission to the Lady Raider game at 5 p.m. and the Raider game at 7 p.m.
The Alumni Reunion also features special activities and giveaways. For more information on all the events, visit trcc.edu/events.
