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Allison Cheatwood
Allison Cheatwood

​Calfornia State University, ​Bakersfield
Ron and Mitzi Barhorst Scholar​


The best times in my life have been spent in education.

Allison Cheatwood decided to pursue higher education after she was laid off from her entrylevel job in the oil industry when she was in her 30s. Struggling with an unrelenting autoimmune disease, Allison faced surgeries every semester. She doubted whether she would ever finish her degree work. 

But in 2019, she graduated magna cum laude from CSU Bakersfield and enrolled in the credential program for special education, consistently earning a 4.00 GPA. 

Allison is an advocate and volunteer for several charities benefiting children affected by lifethreatening diseases. She also participates in the Keep Bakersfield Clean initiative, volunteering to beautify Bakersfield by collecting litter. In addition, she is a lifetime member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. 

After earning her credential, Allison plans to pursue a master’s degree in special education so that she can continue her passion for teaching and advocating for children with learning disabilities.