PTK News

Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Fellowship

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“You’re In.” Phi Theta Kappa Leads National Efforts to Direct Admissions for Transfer Students

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students, has launched the first-ever direct admissions experience for transfer students through its PTK Connect platform. Developed in partnership with Nazareth University, this transformative new feature offers community college students a streamlined path to a four-year degree—removing unnecessary barriers and opening doors to greater…

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…

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Students Taking the Lead on Pell Grant Advocacy

By Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner At Phi Theta Kappa, our mission is to recognize academic excellence and provide students with opportunities to grow—and to lead. And when it comes to leadership, advocacy is where we believe it must begin. We know our members care deeply about the issues that shape…

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…

Northern Arizona University Makes PTK Transfer Scholarship More Accessible

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has updated the eligibility criteria for their Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship, making it more accessible for PTK members. 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…

Meet the 2025-2026 International Officer Team

Serving as a Phi Theta Kappa International Officer is an experience like no other. Throughout the year, the team will serve as ambassadors for the organization while engaging with members on the local, regional, and international level. Each officer also gains valuable personal and professional development to help prepare them for their next chapter—whether that’s transferring to…

SUNY Niagara President Dr. Lloyd Holmes Reflects on His Phi Theta Kappa Journey

Dr. Lloyd Holmes, the newly appointed President of SUNY Niagara, recently shared his personal experience as a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. His journey with PTK began in 1989 during his sophomore year at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, where he majored in accounting. Reflecting on…

Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Appoints Dr. Monica Marlowe to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Monica Marlowe to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Marlowe brings 27 years of experience in higher education, including more than a decade in advancement and fundraising. A proud community college alumna, Dr. Marlowe holds a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership, a master’s degree…

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…

Phi Theta Kappa to Launch Caring Corner at Catalyst 2025

PTK Catalyst is celebrating service with the launch of the Caring Corner at this year’s convention. Service is one of the four Hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa, so Catalyst attendees will have the opportunity to give back to the community in the Opportunity Expo. As part of the Caring Corner, Catalyst attendees will have the…

Maximize Your Success at the Nation’s Largest Transfer Fair at 2025 PTK Catalyst

Attending PTK Catalyst in Kansas City next month? The PTK Catalyst Transfer Fair in Kansas City, MO, is your golden ticket to connecting with top four-year colleges and universities. With two full days, the Catalyst Transfer Fair—sponsored by Common App—is the largest of its kind. To make the most of it, preparation is key! 1….