Press Room

Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Fellowship

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Lulu McGowan Appointed to Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) is proud to announce the appointment of Lulu McGowan to its Board of Directors. McGowan, a student at St. Louis Community College and the Society’s current International President, was unanimously selected by the Board to represent the voice of students at the highest level of PTK leadership. McGowan was…

Ahnora Ozor receiving the Founder's Medal from President of Prince George Community College, Falecia D. Williams.

Phi Theta Kappa Announces Founder’s Medal Scholarship Award Winner

Ahnora Ozor, a student at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) in Maryland, has been named the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Founders Medal Award recipient. Ozor received a $1,000 scholarship and the 2025 Founders Medal Medallion at PGCC’s spring Commencement Ceremony this past week. This award is presented to one graduating PTK member whose essay most powerfully conveys…

Top Community College Students Named to 2025 All-USA Team

For the 65th consecutive year, 20 of the  nation’s top college students have been named to the 2025 All-USA Academic Team. In recognition of this distinction, each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The 2025 All-USA Academic Team was recognized during a session at the American Association of Community Colleges’ annual convention on April 15…

Five PTK Members Elected as 2025-2026 International Officer Team

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) elected five new International Officers during PTK Catalyst 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. These students were chosen by their peers—more than 220,000 active members—to serve as the 2025–2026 International Officer Team, the highest student leadership position within the organization. More than honorary ambassadors, these…

Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Appoints Dr. Blake Ellis to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Blake Ellis to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Ellis brings over two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and public service, making him a valuable addition to the Foundation’s governance team. Dr. Ellis began his PTK journey as a faculty member…

Willis Joins PTK Presidential Advisory Board

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has named Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College, to its Presidential Advisory Board. Dr. Willis previously served as the state of Washington’s representative, and we are especially grateful to welcome her back as the Maryland representative to PTK’s Presidential Advisory Board. On the board, she will…

Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Appoints Justin Oberndorf to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation is proud to announce that Justin Oberndorf has joined its Board of Trustees. A dedicated educator and long-time supporter of PTK, Oberndorf brings over 20 years of experience in education and leadership development to the Foundation. Oberndorf holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education and currently serves as an…

Twenty-five College Presidents Receive Paragon Award for New Presidents

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize 25 college presidents with Paragon Award for New Presidents during PTK Catalyst 2025, the Society’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5, 2025. To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than three years. Recipients are nominated…

Twenty-five College Administrators Receive Distinguished College Administrator Awards

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize 25 college administrators with Distinguished College Administrator Awards during PTK Catalyst 2025, the Society’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5, 2025. The award recognizes college administrators working directly with student leaders to solve problems on campus and in their communities. They have taken an active interest…

Fourteen College Presidents Receive Shirley B. Gordon Award

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize 14 college administrators with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction during PTK Catalyst 2025, the Society’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5, 2025. To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs must have served in their role for at least five years. Recipients…

Reid State at new chartering event.

Phi Theta Kappa Charter Established at Reid State Technical College, Celebrating Academic Excellence and Community Impact

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for high-achieving students at associate-degree-granting institutions, is proud to welcome Reid State Technical College as its newest chapter. The college, which recently achieved accreditation, celebrated this milestone with its inaugural induction ceremony on March 3, 2025, recognizing students for their academic excellence and leadership potential. Reid State’s…

Alahmar Named Alumni Representative for PTK Board of Directors

Tala Alahmar, former 2021-2022 International President, has been appointed to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Board of Directors as the Alumni Representative. In addition to having served on the 2021-2022 international officer team as International President, Alahmar was the president of her college’s PTK chapter and of the PTK Michigan region, and she previously sat…