MOHAVE COUNTY — Mohave College congratulates Craig Ruckle and Robert Gale, two of six students selected to represent the College as 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team members.
All-Arizona Academic Team members in the transfer category receive a full-tuition scholarship to any public university in Arizona after graduating from Mohave College. The scholarship covers resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters.
Craig Ruckle
Ruckle decided to attend Mohave College after exploring available opportunities and accommodations and was encouraged by friends who previously attended the College. Since enrolling, he has been able to reach his goals, grow as a person and further develop his interests.
“I value my experience at Mohave College, where I’ve had opportunities to explore my goals, develop my interests and engage with the community,” Ruckle said. “I see a bright future ahead.”
He is pursuing an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences, driven by his personal experiences overcoming physical and mental health challenges and his interest in psychology. In 2019, he began experiencing non-epileptic seizures, which created obstacles in his life. Since then, he has focused on self-care, coping methods and understanding trauma, which he developed through his college coursework.
Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship means he can continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree. When he learned he had been selected, he said he was surprised and speechless.
“Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship was overwhelming and deeply meaningful. It eases the financial uncertainty I felt about continuing my education after Mohave College and allows me to move forward with confidence toward a career in the psychological and psychiatric field,” Ruckle said.
After Mohave, he plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. His ultimate career goal is to work as a psychotherapist and support individuals with complex diagnoses. Ruckle is active in student life and serves as secretary of the Psyched Out Club, which promotes mental health awareness and opportunities in the psychology field.
Robert Gale
Gale decided to attend Mohave College while seeking a career change. He previously worked as a security guard but was ready for a more meaningful career path. He has already earned two associate degrees from Mohave College in paralegal studies and liberal arts and is currently pursuing a third degree in history.
Attending Mohave College provided Gale the opportunity to earn an affordable education close to home without significant out-of-pocket costs. Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship allows him to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree at a lower cost.
“Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship is instrumental in allowing me to continue my education. Without this support, pursuing studies beyond an associate degree would have been exceedingly difficult,” Gale said. “The opportunity to advance my academic goals without incurring debt provides a sense of stability and reassurance.”
After Mohave, he plans to attend Arizona State University or another university offering an online program.
Gale has been highly active in student life. He currently serves as Student Activities Council president and Phi Theta Kappa president for the Kingman Campus. As a student leader, he works to create opportunities for other students to engage in campus life.
Janice Tubbs, PTK adviser, said Gale is a strong team player who demonstrates leadership, inspires others and continues to grow professionally and personally.
A total of six Mohave College students were honored as All-Arizona Academic Team members: Craig Ruckle of Kingman, Robert Gale of Kingman, Tiffany Sauer of Bullhead City, Tristen Moffett of Bullhead City, Micah Ugartechea of Lake Havasu City and Tina Braniger of Lake Havasu City. Students will be celebrated with honorees from other Arizona community colleges on April 22 in Mesa.
