Texas Student Hero and incoming Queens University of Charlotte student-athlete Bergan Pinkley brings a distinguished record of academic success, athletic achievement, and dedicated community service to Charlotte.
Long before signing her commitment to run for the Queens Royals, Bergan Pinkley ’30 was already making strides far beyond the track as an exceptional scholar, standout athlete and passionate community servant.
Pinkley, who will compete on Queens’ cross country and track and field teams, has an impressive lineup of accolades, including being named a Texas Student Hero, an honor awarded by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to just 15 students across the entire state in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service. Big Spring Independent School District Superintendent Jay McWilliams nominated Pinkley for her outstanding academic accomplishments, extraordinary leadership and dedication to community service.
This year, 165 students across Texas were nominated for the award, with only one recipient chosen from each of the state’s 15 SBOE districts.
“Bergan stands out among her peers in every way. As class salutatorian and a four-year regional athlete in cross country and track, she is the true definition of a student-athlete,” McWilliams said. “She radiates positive energy, brings an incredible work ethic, and has the ability to connect with anyone. Bergan will be an exceptional teammate and a phenomenal asset to the Queens community.”
Pinkley’s passion for service came to life during her junior year at Big Spring High School, when she launched an initiative creating personalized, handcrafted cards for local nursing home residents. Each card took up to 30 minutes to make, featuring unique artwork and encouraging messages. The program grew so successful that local volunteers plan to keep it running after Pinkley moves to Charlotte.
“I realized how lonely it can be for nursing home residents and how some of them don’t get many visitors,” Pinkley shared. “Each card was handcrafted with a personal note inside telling them that they still matter and haven’t been forgotten. Seeing their faces light up was an incredible award in itself.”
Her urge to make others feel seen stems from a deeply personal place. Before discovering her passion for running, Pinkley was inspired by her late brother-in-law, Eric Stinson. A passionate runner who battled Ewing sarcoma before passing away in 2019, Stinson left a lasting mark on both Pinkley’s family and her community.
“He was the embodiment of sunshine,” Pinkley said. “Watching him run showed me how hard something can be, but how much joy you can find in it. Joining cross country and track was my way of connecting with him. He’s been with me at all my hard practices and meets. And I know he’ll be with me as I start this next chapter at Queens.”
As she prepares for the move to Charlotte from her hometown of Big Spring, Texas, Pinkley is eager to embrace campus life, explore new academic interests, and live out the university’s motto, “Not to be served, but to serve.”
“I’m excited to expand my horizons in a bigger city and find new ways to give back,” said Pinkley, who plans to study psychology. “Whether that’s volunteering at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or animal rescues, I’m just excited for all of it.”