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Officials at Baker College of Auburn Hills have announced Misty Barbee as the recipient of the 2012 Ed Kurtz Leadership Scholarship Award. Barbee received a $2,500 scholarship that is awarded to a Baker student who demonstrates academic achievement and either a commitment to community service or a successful balance of work, family and school obligations.

“Misty overcame many personal challenges to become successfully employed as well as being a wife, mother and student,” said Jeff Love, Baker College of Auburn Hills President. “We are very pleased to present the 2012 Ed Kurtz scholarship to Misty this year.”

A high school dropout and mother of four sons by the age of 21, Barbee’s life changed dramatically when she met her “best friend” and now husband. She earned her GED in 2008 and with her husband’s encouragement, enrolled at Baker College of Auburn Hills. Barbee worked full time while earning an associate degree. She now has a permanent full-time position with the Department of Defense.

Barbee recently earned a business associate degree and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business leadership. She expects to graduate in June 2013.

A Rochester Hills resident, she currently carries a 3.24 Grade Point Average (GPA).

Baker College established this scholarship in 2004 in honor of Ed Kurtz, retired President and CEO of Baker College. Kurtz, a dynamic leader whose vocabulary does not include the word “impossible,” also exhibited extraordinary service to his neighbors, friends and community throughout his 34 years at Baker College. The Ed Kurtz Scholarship Fund honors the efforts of Baker students who exemplify Ed’s leadership style and who serve their communities as leaders and volunteers or balance work and family obligations.