SNU PTA Students Recognized for Academic Excellence and Service
For three students in Southern Nazarene University’s (SNU) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, the journey toward a career in health care is about more than earning a degree. It is about serving others, continuing to grow, and making a difference in the communities around them.
That commitment has recently been recognized through statewide awards and scholarships for PTA students Carlos Soto, Jenny Hill, and Nichole Schones.
Each student has taken a different path to SNU’s PTA program, but their accomplishments reflect a shared dedication to their education and to the people they hope to serve through their future careers.
Carlos Soto Receives Statewide Diversity Scholarship
For Carlos Soto, recognition came through the 2026 Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association Diversity Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
Soto applied for the scholarship and was selected as the sole recipient among students from physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs across Oklahoma.
The scholarship recognizes academic excellence while celebrating diversity within the physical therapy profession.
Soto’s commitment to the field extends beyond the classroom. In addition to pursuing his Physical Therapist Assistant education at SNU, he currently serves as an assistant coach for SNU’s Men’s Soccer team.
His experience as both a student and coach reflects his dedication to helping others grow and succeed, making this statewide scholarship recognition another meaningful milestone in his journey toward a career in health care.
Jenny Hill Named Student of the Year
Jenny Hill was also recognized by the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association and received the 2026 Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association Student of the Year Award.
Hill was the SNU PTA student selected for the award, which recognizes a student for their accomplishments and commitment to the physical therapy profession.
The recognition marks another milestone in Hill’s time in SNU’s PTA program and highlights the work she has put into preparing for a career centered on helping others.
Nichole Schones Recognized for Service and Perseverance
For Nichole Schones, recognition has come both through her work in education and her pursuit of a career in health care.
Schones was selected to receive the Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship for Fall 2026 in the amount of $1,200.
Earlier this year, Moore Public Schools also honored her as its Support Personnel of the Year. She was recognized for creating a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment, which is critical to student success.
Her commitment to supporting students in her professional life now accompanies her own educational journey as she works toward becoming a physical therapist assistant.
Celebrating Students Who Serve Others
While each student's story is different, Soto, Hill, and Schones share an important commitment: to learning and serving others.
Their recognition also highlights the many ways SNU PTA students contribute beyond the classroom, whether through coaching, supporting members of their community, or preparing for careers that help people regain movement and function.
SNU’s Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students to work alongside physical therapists in helping patients improve movement, function, and quality of life. Through their education and clinical preparation, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to serve patients in a variety of health care settings.
For Carlos Soto, Jenny Hill, and Nichole Schones, these recent honors reflect their unique journeys toward becoming health care professionals who serve others.
Learn more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Southern Nazarene University.
