MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2025) – Milligan University held a ceremony for the chartering of the university’s first Circle K Club last Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony was held in the Gregory Center’s Willis Classroom and was followed by a reception.
Circle K is the largest student-led collegiate service organization in the world and is sponsored by the Kiwanis International family. Milligan’s local sponsor is the Kiwanis Club of Elizabethton, which now sponsors ten service leadership programs in Elizabethton and Carter County.
“Discerning God’s call for our lives and discovering how each student can use their knowledge, strengths and skills is a foundational component of a Milligan education,” said Beth Anderson, Milligan’s director of calling and career development. “The Circle K Club offers Milligan students an opportunity to further explore how their gifts and talents can be developed through service and community engagement.”
The mission of Circle K is to develop students into responsible citizens and leaders, and the club focuses on community service, leadership development and fellowship. Student members participate in a variety of service projects, including fundraising, volunteering, tutoring and clean-ups.
Tessa Arney, a sophomore nursing student, will serve as the president of Milligan’s Circle K Club.
“I am beyond excited to bring a Circle K Club to Milligan and give Milligan students the opportunity to give back to the community and develop leadership skills,” said Arney. “The members will be able to participate in new and exciting community service projects and meet new people through club and district events.”
Arney has a history of leadership with Kiwanis International, holding several leadership positions in her high school Key Club. As a Key Club Lieutenant Governor of Division 7, she worked with many community service organizations in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Milligan’s club currently has 11 members, including seniors Mia Brown and Nicole Shirley; juniors Sunny Beach, Elijah Gouge, Dillion Handshey and Rachel Webber; sophomores Torrie Entner, Lilly Gilbert and Samantha Pfister; and freshman Violet De La Cruz.