Central Arizona College Student, Deryn Henry Named 2026 Hites Scholar
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Central Arizona College student, Deryn Henry has been named a 2026 Hites Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa. She will receive a $7,500 scholarship to assist with costs associated with her future baccalaureate studies.
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members preparing to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting college or university. Winners were selected from more than 3,000 applicants nationwide for their outstanding academic achievement and rigor, leadership accomplishments and engagement in college and community activities.
Henry is a current CAC student majoring in mechanical engineering at the San Tan Campus. Following her graduation this spring, she will transfer to the University of Arizona College of Engineering to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her career goal is to create and develop products for communities in need.
As a CAC student, Henry has served as a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Co-President, Regional Public Relations Officer, Campus Activities Board Vice-President, STEM Engine Intern and A Night of Stars speaker. She is a Pinal Promise Recipient, Phi Theta Kappa Honors student and has been recognized with dean’s list honors throughout her college career.
About this honor, Henry states, “Being a Hites Transfer Scholarship recipient is an immense honor, not only for me, but as a representative of Central Arizona College. This scholarship will help me alleviate the cost of on-campus housing when I attend the University of Arizona in the fall.” She added, “I am beyond grateful to receive this amazing opportunity and I cannot express my gratitude towards Phi Theta Kappa and the donors behind the Hites Scholarship.”
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is made possible by support from the Hites Family Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. This is the largest scholarship Phi Theta Kappa awards to its members.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at https://www.ptk.org/.
About Hites Family Foundation
The Hites Family Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri, who, upon his retirement, became an instructor at St. Louis Community College. His brother, Ray Hites, served as President of the Hites Family Foundation and as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. Ray’s wife, Jackie, served as a Foundation Trustee until her death in 2019.