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Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Fellowship
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Elmhurst University Offers Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
Elmhurst University offers scholarship to Phi Theta Kappa members. Members of PTK are eligible to receive up to $24,000 per academic year in academic merit based scholarships. The scholarship amount are stackable with other scholarships offered at Elmhurst University. Learn more about this transfer option in the Q&A below. Tell us about your college’s new…
Yakima Valley to Global Diplomacy: David H. Shinn’s PTK Success Story
Reporting by Dustin Wunderlich, Yakima Valley College Ambassador David H. Shinn has traveled the world following assignments in Lebanon, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Cameroon, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia. Shinn received three State Department Superior Honor awards for his work, which included responding to famines, enhancing food security, peacekeeping efforts and initiating a public campaign against…
Annalise Smith Receives PTK’s 2025 Presidential Scholarship
Annalise Smith, graduate of Clark State College in Ohio, has been awarded the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) President’s Award for Leadership Excellence, a two-year transfer scholarship of up to $30,000 each academic year. Annalise recently completed her term as PTK’s 2024-2025 International President and served on the Board of Directors as the Student Representative, PTK’s…
From Community College to Capitol Hill: PTK Alum Featured on Roadtrip Nation
Before Nick Moore made it to Capitol Hill and the Alabama Governor’s Office, he was a Phi Theta Kappa member. Nick began his higher education journey at Enterprise State Community College in Alabama, according to his Roadtrip Nation profile. At Enterprise State, he joined the Tau Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and later served…
“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…
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…
Press Releases
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…