Regional Leaders Find Information, Inspiration at Society's International Leadership Conference
What do you get when you bring 100-plus regional leaders to Phi Theta Kappa's Center for Excellence?
"A spectacular learning experience!"
"An awesome weekend of learning and fun!"
"A perfect opportunity to enhance our knowledge of Phi
Theta Kappa programs!"
More than 100 regional officers and 23 regional coordinators
visited the Society's International Headquarters in August
for the second annual International Leadership Conference -
which one officer compared to a giant family reunion.
Held in two sessions, the International Leadership Conference
included three days of intensive instruction in Society programs,
presentations about Phi Theta Kappa's history, interactive
opportunities for leadership development and an abundance of
fellowship. Phi Theta Kappa's 2004-05 International Officers
joined Headquarters staff members in welcoming the group to
Jackson, Mississippi.
Energy, excitement and enthusiasm were strongly evidenced as the
officers swapped ideas, shared strategies and found common ground
despite geographic, age and cultural differences.
"What we have experienced here will help us build a foundation for success that will help us be better leaders in our regions," said Jackie Cunningham of Florida, a student at Tallahassee Community College. Cunningham especially praised the leadership presentation, which she called "phenomenal."
A tour of Canton, Mississippi, longtime home of the Society
Headquarters, was a highlight for many. "I was amazed at the
level of history - getting to see where so much happened in the past
gives us a better understanding of how much Phi Theta Kappa has grown,
" said Judy Senay, Pennsylvania President for the Middle States
Region. Senay attends Reading Area Community College.
"I feel I have a better understanding of what Phi Theta Kappa
truly means," said Arthur Vargas from Austin Community College.
Vargas is Regional President for Texas, host of the 2005 International
Convention.
Officers also felt the conference gave them a better understanding
of their role within the Society and emphasized unity and communication
between the regions.
"We set our sights high in accomplishing projects and tasks
in our own regions and we have the tremendous understanding and solid
confidence that we are here to support one another for the growth and
benefit of Phi Theta Kappa," said Grant Ossendryver, Southern
Vice President for the New England Region. He attends Naugatuck Valley
Community College in Connecticut.
Phi Theta Kappa's annual International Leadership Conference for Regional Officers and Regional Coordinators was first held in 2003. This year two separate sessions were held, the first for representatives from Divisions I and II; and the final event for officers and coordinators from Divisions III and IV.
