Student Named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
October 9, 2026
Learn Why She Chose Walters State
Choosing a college was easy for Selena Cortes Dominguez. She always knew she would
attend Walters State. Why? In her own words:
• Two years of free tuition.
• Lives close to campus.
• Great dual enrollment classes.
• Older sister’s positive experience.
Once on campus, she found many more reasons to stay at Walters State. Again, in her
own words:
• Small classes.
• Professors who cared.
• Busy campus life.
• Opportunities to grow.
“I have always been open to new opportunities,” Dominguez said. “Last year, I decided
to take a chance and run for SGA vice president. I won, and through that, I’ve met
many great people. I encourage new students to be active on campus and to take advantage
of the resources available.”
She serves as president of the college chapter of PTK and a member of the science
club. She’s taken classes on the Morristown and Niswonger Campuses.
Dominguez was recently named a 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, a scholarship
given by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, in partnership with Phi Theta Kappa, the
international honor society for community college students.
“My last year of high school wasn’t the best,” Dominguez said. “My mindset wasn’t
where it should be, and I wasn’t confident.”
“Here, the professors are great. The classes are small, and you’re constantly learning.”
Dominguez is a pre-dentistry major, a decision inspired by her family.
“I have family members who did not get proper dental care when needed. I know it can
be so painful. I want to have a career, but I also want to volunteer to help those
who can’t afford dental care,” Dominguez said.
As a student, she has spent time with First Love, a free health clinic serving lower-income
residents in Morristown. Dominguez plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in dental
hygiene after she completes her associate’s degree.