Faculty Scholars are selected by application, and all Phi Theta Kappa advisors are invited annually to apply. In addition to facilitator experience and knowledge of the Topic, applications are evaluated on such qualifications as length and quality of service to Phi Theta Kappa, geographic location, and field of study, to ensure a diverse class of Faculty Scholars.

Faculty Scholars receive intensive training and preparation for their roles, beginning with the Faculty Scholar Conference held at Phi Theta Kappa’s Headquarters, The Center for Excellence in Jackson, MS, in February. During this conference, they work closely with leading academicians to analyze issues pertaining to the Honors Study Topic, then participate in model seminar group meetings to hone facilitating skills.

A final preparation is provided onsite, in Part II of the Faculty Scholar Conference, held just prior to the Honors Institute.

Benefits of serving as a Faculty Scholar Include:

• being challenged and inspired by the questions and comments from conscientious colleagues and honor students with varied backgrounds
• developing ideas for chapter and regional programs to enhance the Honors in Action model of integrating Scholarship, Leadership, and Service into chapter programming
• gathering ideas, study questions, and bibliographies to be used in their own classroom.

Meet the 2009 Faculty Scholars.

The speakers’ presentations serve as starting points for both further examination of the Honors Study Topic as a cornerstone for chapters’ and regions’ Honors in Action activities and for seminar discussions.

Participants are challenged to listen carefully and respectfully, weigh in and consider what each scholar has to say, rather than advocate for a particular point of view. Considering and acknowledging the validity of points of view different from your own is key to growth as a scholar and servant leader and an enriching Phi Theta Kappa Experience.

2009 Honors Institute Speakers:

Dr. Douglas Foard, former Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Kappa, will examine the paradox of affluence as it relates to the American Civil War and particularly to the area around Richmond, Virginia.

Davar Ardalan, NPR Editor and author of I Am Iran: A Memoir, will discuss the paradox of affluence as it relates to living between two worlds and relations between the United States and Iran.

Dr. Michael Galaty, archeologist and head of the Shala Valley Project in Albania, will look at primatology, anthropology and archaeology to discuss both affluence and violence in human culture and their connection.

Dr. Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law School Professor and author of Sell Out: The Politics of Racial Betrayal, will discuss the paradox of affluence as it relates to the specter of race anxiety and will offer solutions to overcoming the fear, and mistrust that often surround talk of so-called race traitors.

Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time, will examine the paradox of affluence as it relates to individual, family, and community issues of justice and social activism.

The 2009 Honors Institute will also feature a Town Hall Meeting and Reader’s Theatre production. The Town Hall meeting will be moderated by  Professor Rob Carey, chapter advisor at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ, and Dr. Liesl Ward, chapter advisor at Jefferson State Community College - Shelby Campus in Birmingham, AL. The Reader’s Theatre production will be directed by Stephen Schroeder, chapter advisor at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL.

The Blank Lecture Series:
The 2009 Blank Lecture is presented by the Honors Institute Reader’s Theatre, directed by Stephen Schroeder. The Blank Lecture is presented in honor of Professor Robert Blank. Prior to his retirement, Professor Blank was a History professor and Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisor at the State University of New York in Farmingdale, and was New England/Middle States Regional Coordinator. Professor Blank is a past chairman of the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors, and served for many years as Honors Institute Coordinator. Professor Blank was instrumental in the development of the role of the seminar groups. He now makes his home in Vermont.

The Cordier Lecture Series:
The 2009 Cordier Lecture is presented by Paul Loeb, and commemorates the service of the late Ms. June Cordier. While a faculty member at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, Ms. Cordier was the charter advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and served as the first Illinois Regional Coordinator. As a Coordinator in 1968, Ms. Cordier was closely involved in the creation of the Honors Institute.

The Fedor Lecture Series:
The 2009 Fedor Lecture is presented by Dr. Randall Kennedy. The Fedor Lecture is named for Dr. Joan Fedor and her late husband, Robert Fedor. Dr. Fedor was a longtime advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington. She served as Coordinator for the Washington Region (now Greather Northwest Region) and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Committee. At the 2008 International Convention in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Fedor was named an International Honorary Member. Robert Fedor served in the Air Force during World War II, and was an engineer for Boeing prior to his retirement. Dr. Fedor now resides in Arizona.

The Freeman Lecture Series:
The 2009 Freeman Lecture, the Town Hall Meeting, is moderated by Professor Rob Carey and Dr. Liesl Ward. Dr. Joyce Freeman and Dr. Janice Freeman, twin sisters, are both retired Professors of Biology at Texas A&M University. The Freemans are Phi Theta Kappa alumnae, and were named Distinguished Alumni in 1975. They have served on the Society Board of Directors, as chapter advisors and as alumni advisors. The Freemans received the prestigious Board of Directors Alumni Achievement Award in 2005.

The Jardine Lecture Series
The 2009 Jardine Lecture is presented by Dr. Douglas Foard, and honors the contributions of Leanne W. Jardine and Richard Jardine. Leanne Jardine, former New York Regional Coordinator and chapter advisor at Herkimer County Community College, is the 2002 recipient of the Board of Directors Alumni Award. She became a member of Phi Theta Kappa at Mohawk Valley Community College. She was a Professor of Business at Herkimer County Community College. Richard Jardine is a retired teacher and an adjunct faculty member at Herkimer County Community College.

The Modschiedler Lecture Series:
The 2009 Modschiedler Lecture, presented by  Dr. Michael Galaty, recognizes the contributions of Dr. John Modschiedler, advisor emeritus at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. During his 15  years as advisor, the chapter at the College of DuPage grew to the be largest in the entire Society. Dr. Modschiedler is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and teaches courses in religion and ethics. Dr. Modschiedler lives in Illinois.

The Wyatt Lecture Series:
The 2009 Wyatt Lecture, presented by Davar Ardalan, pays tribute to Dr. Gayle Wyatt, a former member of the Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters staff, who played a key role in the creation and development of the Honors Study Topic and the Honors Institute. Dr. Wyatt is a former college teacher and served as Academic Dean at Navarro College. He resides in Texas.

Honors Institute Sponsors:

University of Richmond Office of Admissions:  Welcome Social

University of Richmond Summer Camps and Conference Services:  Name Badge Lanyards

Virginia Region Alumni Association:  Registration Hospitality Tent