Travis Van Vleck (’02)

The youngest of six children and the first to graduate from college, Travis Van Vleck knew at an early age he wanted to be an educator. With the help of his Horatio Alger National scholarship, he earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Emporia State University. As a social studies teacher, he quickly learned about the rewards of working with young people and was inspired to further his education. He earned his master’s in educational administration from Fort Hays State University and began as an assistant principal. He then returned to his alma mater—this time as the elementary school’s principal. In this role, he dedicates himself to making a positive impact on students. He has served as a Field Director for the Horatio Alger Association and has been a member of the scholarship selection committee. He became involved with the Association’s first American Enterprise Summit for middle school students and volunteered during the meeting’s breakout sessions. After sharing his life story during the Association’s Membership and Board Meeting in 2024 in Georgia, he was selected as the Alumnus of the Year for 2025. Van Vleck’s story is one of inspiration, dedication, and a desire to pursue education as a means to reaching his full potential.