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Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Fellowship
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The 411 on Scholarship Resumes: Turning Achievement into Opportunity
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…
Dr. Lynn Tincher-Lander Appointed to AACC Commission
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…
Finding Your Place with PTK: A Message to Dual-Enrollment Students
By 2025-2026 International President Lulu McGowan Imagine walking into a new campus—tall buildings, packed hallways, and unfamiliar faces everywhere. It’s exciting, but also overwhelming. Where do you fit in? As a dual-enrollment student, you already know what it means to push yourself. Balancing high school and college is no small feat. The good news? Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)…
Provisional Membership: Why Early Invitations Matter
By Anna Maria Dennis, International Vice President of Division IV Some students wait for perfection before they take action. Others only need a small spark, just enough light to help them see the path ahead. That is exactly what provisional membership in Phi Theta Kappa provides: a spark. Provisional membership allows students who don’t yet…
Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Announces Kevin Byrne as Member of the Board of Trustees
The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation announces the appointment of Kevin Byrne to its Board of Trustees. Byrne brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to the board. Byrne currently serves as CEO of the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, where he leads strategic grantmaking…
The College Buffet: All You Can Eat
By Elijah Bishop, International Vice President of Division I Starting college can feel like a full-time juggling act. Most of us spend hours keeping up with classes and studying. Some of us add a part-time job, a social life, and—if we’re lucky—a little sleep. That can get you to graduation, but if that’s all you…
Press Releases
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…
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…