Phillips always knew she wanted to be a teacher. It was a calling she discovered in elementary school that never waivered. She pursued that degree at Southeast, enjoying her coursework and especially her student teaching opportunities. In fall 2021, Phillips was diagnosed with cancer. She finished her semester, taking classes online while receiving chemotherapy. By fall 2022, she was back at Southeast. But, that spring semester, Phillips’ pain and her cancer would return, this time declared incurable.

Phillips’ diagnosis prevented her from continuing student teaching. Still, she persevered. She discovered she had enough hours to earn her college degree by changing her major to general studies. Her much sought-after education degree may have eluded her, but Kaitlyn decided that would not be the case for other students with a passion for teaching. 

She worked with her family this fall to establish the Kaitlyn Marie Phillips Endowed Scholarship at Southeast. She was most interested in establishing the criteria for the scholarship, so she could ensure the recipients shared her belief in education and her mission of teaching the next generation. 

The scholarship is open to any student majoring in early childhood education with a minimum of 60 hours completed and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants are required to submit a 300-word essay describing their interest in the field and providing examples of their work with children.

Phillips has made the decision to stop further treatment, and she has a bucket list what she still plans to accomplish, including being on stage to officially receive her degree at SEMO’s December commencement. 

“We need teachers who have the dream to teach,” said Phillips. “Through this scholarship, I can help them reach their dream and I can live through them.” 

For more information or to contribute to Kaitlyn’s scholarship, visit https://give.semo.edu/campaigns/kaitlyn-marie-phillips-endowed-scholarship.

Editor's Note: We are sad to report that Kaitlyn passed away on Nov. 8, 2023