Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

FRANKFORT, Ky. — From the track to the classroom, Zhakeya Hawkins did not need four years to leave her mark at Kentucky State University.

In just two years, the Kentucky State student-athlete completed a remarkable academic and athletic journey, graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 2026 while building a legacy rooted in resilience, research, service, and first-generation excellence.

For Hawkins, the moment was bigger than a title. It was proof that the long days, early mornings, difficult choices, and quiet determination had all been worth it.

"I defied the odds stacked against first-generation students," Hawkins said.

Hawkins arrived at Kentucky State with ambitious goals and little interest in limiting herself. She balanced the demands of athletics with a rigorous academic path that included graduate-level coursework, undergraduate research, and certifications as a laboratory technician and in geospatial information systems technology.

One of her proudest moments came from excelling in graduate-level coursework while still an undergraduate. Along the way, she also served as a STEM-URA, earning high marks while continuing to grow as a scholar and student-athlete.

Her success, however, was not built only in classrooms or labs. It was shaped during early morning workouts, long travel days, and moments when she had to choose discipline over comfort.

For Hawkins, cross country became more than competition. It became a place to think, reset, and push forward.

"I now truly enjoy clearing my racing mind with actual races," Hawkins said.

That same determination carried into her campus involvement. Hawkins helped launch Collegiate Closet, a service initiative that provided professional clothing for students preparing for interviews and career opportunities. The project reflected the heart of her Kentucky State experience: achieving her own goals while helping others move closer to theirs.

Hawkins said Kentucky State taught her the importance of self-advocacy, preparation, and believing in the goals she had set for herself. Her journey was not without obstacles, but each challenge strengthened her voice and sharpened her purpose.

Representing Kentucky State Athletics as one of the university's top graduates carried deep meaning. Hawkins' achievement showed that student-athletes can lead in competition, research, service, and the classroom.

Her message to younger student-athletes is to stay organized, ask for help, protect their academic goals, and keep moving with purpose.

After graduation, Hawkins planned to continue her research journey through a summer internship at UC Merced focused on aerosol climate research. Her long-term goal is to pursue fully funded doctoral studies and continue creating opportunities as a first-generation African American scholar.

In two years, Hawkins did more than complete a degree. She built a story that will continue to inspire others across the Hilltop.