Risley: Community College Recognition Teams Will Continue
Following USA TODAY's announcement to end All-USA Academic Team recognitions, Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Rod Risley has stated that the community college program will continue. Risley, who helped create the All-USA Academic Team for Community Colleges, is working with the American Association of Community Colleges, a program co-sponsor, and with former USA TODAY Executive Editor Bob Dubill to identify a new sponsor for the former All-USA program. Although USA TODAY was a co-sponsor, the All-USA Academic Team for Community Colleges has always been administered by Phi Theta Kappa, Risley said. Phi Theta Kappa also manages the New Century Scholars and All-State Team programs, which used the All-USA scores to determine recipients. USA TODAY's decision to end support of the recognition programs for high school, community college and college students, and for teachers, was "largely due to budget constraints," according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. "Obviously there are larger issues here regarding higher education news coverage," said Risley, "but Phi Theta Kappa's first priority is to ensure that these recognition programs will continue. We will not stand by and let our community college students miss out on these opportunities for recognition and scholarships." Contact Risley by email or at 601.984.3520.
Posted: May 02, 2008
