Is Regional Office for You?
Regional officers serve an integral role in the Society - a critical link between international and local Phi Theta Kappa chapters.
"I love regional officers because they are the heart and soul of our organization. They make things happen, they keep things going and they never, ever, lose their steam," said 2004-05 International President Keri Szymanski, who served as a New York regional officer in 2003-04. International Vice Presidents Zahid Arab and Brandon Marsh were also regional officers in Arizona and Kansas, respectively before being elected to international office.
Regional officers wear many hats in the region. They are encouraged to set goals for their region's participation in Society programs, attend chapter inductions and special events, serve as a resource for chapter officers, and preside at regional meetings. All of Phi Theta Kappa's 29 regions elect regional officers at their regional conventions, but duties vary depending on the region. Contact your Regional Coordinator to find out the specifics for regional office in your region.
Responsibilities earn regional officers special benefits:
- Opportunity to attend the Regional Officer Academy at International Convention
- Opportunity to attend the summer International Leadership Conference at the Society's Center for Excellence
- Complimentary Chapter Resource Packet, the Golden Key Newsletter and other important mailings from Headquarters
- Opportunity to travel throughout the region
- Opportunity to be nominated for the International Distinguished Regional Officer Award
- Some regions also provide traveling funds to the International Convention and/or the International Honors Institute.
Benefits may be as unique as the officer holding the office. "For me, serving as a regional officer has been a very worthwhile experience," said Pacific Regional Officer Orie Onchie. "I have learned responsibility by working with other officers and organizing events together. Since I'm from Japan, I am learning more about American culture through this position!"
