By Sadokat Khakimova by PTK Alum and Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Recipient as well as a Guistwhite (2021) and Oberndorf (2020) scholarship recipient. I grew up in the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan and arrived in the United States in 2018 with big dreams, limited resources, and no expectations. My initial plan was to head…
By Raymond Philip, 2025-2026 International Vice President – Division II Imagine receiving an email from a professor telling you to join an honor society because your GPA is outstanding. Skeptical, you finally pay the fee just to stop the reminders. One day, you decide to attend a meeting. You walk in not knowing anyone, unsure…
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 West Williamson Difference Maker Award, an honor celebrating staff members who embody a commitment to PTK’s members and mission, dedicated service, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. The award is named in memory of West Williamson, a beloved…
Bennington College has created a new scholarship for PTK members transferring to their university. Previously, members were not eligible for the scholarship if they took a break between attending community college and transfer to NAU, but NAU has removed that stipulation from the eligibility criteria, which allows PTK members with breaks in enrollment to qualify…
By Dakota McLaughlin, 2025-2026 International Vice President – Division III Can I be real with you? College costs way more than money. It eats up your time, your energy, and sometimes even your peace of mind. But what if I told you there’s a way to lighten that load? As a community college student who has earned…
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is proud to announce that Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO, has been appointed to the national American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Research and Community College Trends and Issues. The commission will focus on current and future trends impacting community colleges; advise AACC leadership on potential data sets…
Community colleges provide life-changing opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and this article highlights five powerful examples. These students demonstrate how community colleges serve as accessible, affordable launch pads for academic achievement and career success. Their stories show the critical role these institutions play in expanding opportunity, supporting persistence, and helping students build strong foundations…
In this article, Dr. Lynn Tincher‑Ladner highlights how community college transfers often underestimate their own potential—and how institutions must do more to help them recognize their value. She argues that these students bring unique strengths to four-year institutions, and that colleges should provide clear pathways and credit mobility. Ultimately, the article makes the case that…
In this article, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner unpacks the 2019 nationwide college-admissions scandal, clarifying that while the headline-grabbing fraud involved wealthy parents bribing coaches and manipulating test scores, the deeper issue lies in the structural advantages wealthy applicants already hold—meaning that the scandal shines a spotlight on pre-existing inequalities in the system rather than creating them…
Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner highlights current community college students who are making significant strides—both academically and in leadership—during Black History Month, celebrating how their achievements not only honor the legacy of Black history but actively shape the present and future of higher education. The article serves as a reminder that the contributions of Black learners are…
In this piece, Lynn Tincher‑Ladner examines the growing challenge of keeping dual-enrolled high school students engaged in community colleges beyond their initial courses. She shares insights that identify key strategies: involving college faculty early in dual-enrollment experiences to build meaningful relationships, actively combating the stigma that community colleges are “lesser” choices, and fostering a strong…
Dr. Lynn Tincher‑Ladner reflects on the persistent equity gaps facing Black students in community colleges—citing that only 28 % of Black students complete college within six years, with a dropout rate roughly 50 %. She argues that meaningful change demands intentional, holistic supports—beyond academics—that foster belonging, mentorship, and social-engagement.