Having spent more than a decade as a largely one-star chapter, the Alpha Psi Sigma Chapter at Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts, has undergone a remarkable transformation, one that reflects not just renewed leadership, but a complete reimagining of what chapter engagement can look like.
Since the arrival of advisors Dr. Reena Randhir and Dr. Nayanna Mercado, the chapter has moved with intention, fully leaning into the resources, training, and support available through PTK and translating that investment into meaningful, student-centered action, culminating in its recognition as Phi Theta Kappa’s Most Distinguished Chapter.
“This kind of transformation doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when advisors and students decide to fully engage — and follow through,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Alpha Psi Sigma didn’t just participate in PTK; they used it as it was intended. They built something meaningful for their campus, and in doing so, they created opportunities for students to grow, lead, and see what’s possible. That’s what this recognition represents.”
Their Honors in Action project was called “Stories That Sustain: Experiential Learning for Environmental Action.” After identifying a lack of student awareness, the chapter conducted interdisciplinary research and engaged experts to examine how narrative-based learning compares to data-driven approaches. They translated their findings into action through field trips, volunteer work, and collaborations with over 40 partners, then shared their experiences through 100+ student-authored stories, campus publications, and a large panel discussion. The project demonstrated measurable impact, with over 90% of participants reporting increased awareness and motivation to engage in sustainability efforts.
At the same time, their College Project, “Building Community Through Recognition: Celebration of Student Work Event,” directly supported institutional retention goals by creating a campus-wide showcase of student achievement that fostered belonging, strengthened connections, and elevated academic pride. The initiative involved extensive planning with administrators, faculty, and community partners, resulting in 110 student presentations and over 400 attendees.
“We didn’t come in with a perfect plan; we came in willing to listen, learn, and try,” said Dr. Reena Randhir, advisor for the chapter. “That willingness became our strength. Our students showed what is possible when humility becomes action, when commitment becomes culture, and when leadership means service. STCC’s PTK chapter, Alpha Psi Sigma, being named the 2026 Most Distinguished Chapter is a powerful honor, but the greater achievement is who our students became in the process. We are grateful.”
Together, these initiatives reflect a powerful chapter resurgence resulting in measurable gains in engagement, confidence, recruitment, and persistence while redefining what is possible for a once-underrecognized chapter.
Advisors and chapter leaders interested in learning more about Alpha Psi Sigma’s approach will have the opportunity to hear directly from the team during an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, June 3 at 1pm CT. The session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the chapter leveraged PTK resources, built momentum, and sustained engagement – along with practical strategies that can be adapted for chapters at any stage. Register to attend here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rv8nQKQuQdOljEljiArHRg.
