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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…

Federal Court Sanctions HonorSociety.org for Perjury and Concealment of Evidence by its CEO Michael Moradian in Case Brought by Phi Theta Kappa

A U.S. District Court has issued a significant ruling in favor of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), dismissing all counterclaims and third-party claims brought by HonorSociety.org, citing a pattern of misconduct that included perjury and concealment of evidence by its CEO, Michael Moradian. In a sharply worded opinion, Judge Carlton Reeves of the U.S….

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…

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….

Three students celebrating at PTK Catalyst 2024.

Your Guide to Attending PTK Catalyst 2025

By Annalise Smith, International President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention. Catalyst features guest speakers, the Hallmark Awards, educational forums, college fairs, and more. Catalyst is an eye-opening experience. Per its name, it is intended to be a catalyst for PTK members, inspiring them to innovate, discover…

Launching Student Entrepreneurs – The Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) – Perimeter College Team Files Patent for CCIC Winning Idea

Members of the Perimeter College at Georgia State University team that won the 2024 Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) say the academic competition transformed them into entrepreneurs. More than the top prize, they say that the praise they received during CCIC’s Innovation Boot Camp for their concept of a self-administered cervical cancer test, the encouragement…

Steve Burns

Original Blue’s Clues Host to Speak at PTK Catalyst 2025

Actor and television host Steve Burns is taking the stage at PTK Catalyst 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. Steve is the original host for the long-running children’s preschool television program Blue’s Clues, which aired from 1996 until 2002. On the show, Steve, equipped with his handy dandy notebook and thinking chair, worked with his puppy…

Dr. Linda Garcia Named Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary Member

Dr. Linda Garcia, Executive Director at the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE), has been named an International Honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). This recognition is considered PTK’s highest honor for a non-member. The award is not given every year, but only when the Society identifies an individual has provided extraordinary…

Niagara University Establishes New PTK Transfer Scholarship

Niagara University in New York has established a new $24,000 PTK merit scholarship for all Phi Theta Kappa members who show proof of membership. The scholarship is stackable and renewable and will be available starting in Fall 2025. The university is a private Catholic college located in Lewiston, New York near Niagara Falls. Niagara University…

Broadway Star To Take Stage At PTK Catalyst 2025

Broadway star, Miguel Cervantes, is taking the stage at PTK Catalyst 2025. Miguel Cervantes starred as Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago run of Hamilton: An American Musical from 2016 to 2020. The Chicago Tribune praised his “coiled intensity” and named Miguel the Chicagoan of the Year in theater in 2019 for his mastery of the…

Laurie Hernandez

Olympian Makes Her Leap to the Catalyst Stage

From the balance beam to the Catalyst stage, Olympian Laurie Hernandez is joining the PTK Catalyst 2025 speaker lineup. In the 2016 Rio Olympic games, Laurie was the youngest member of the “Final Five” along with Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian, and Aly Ramisan that helped the U.S. women’s gymnastics team bring home the…

Nota Bene 30th Edition Cover

50 Community College Students Published in Nota Bene

Fifty Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) members were chosen to have their writing and original artwork published in the 30th edition of PTK’s literary journal, Nota Bene. Eight received scholarships for their exemplary entries. The full publication can be read here. Nota Bene showcases the outstanding writing and artistry of community college students. More than 4,500 applicants…

Great Basin College's PTK chapter working on their college project.

Create a Winning College Project Plan 

By Karissa Sena-Fadenrecht, Division IV International Vice President Karissa Sena-Fadenrecht was elected as an International Officer at Catalyst 2024 in Orlando. She is a member of the Beta Beta Epsilon Chapter at Great Basin College in Nevada. The College Project is designed to develop a supportive relationship between your chapter and the college administration. The first step to…

Alyssa DeFlorentis with the rest of the International Officer team after being elected at PTK Catalyst 2024.

Empower Your Future: The Impact of Serving as a Phi Theta Kappa Officer 

By Alyssa DeFlorentis, Division I International Vice President, Cuyahoga Community College – Westshore  Alyssa DeFlorentis was elected as an International Officer at Catalyst 2024 in Orlando. She is a member of the Beta Upsilon Beta Chapter at Cuyahoga Community College – Westshore in Ohio. When I first joined Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), I had no idea how much serving…

A photo of International Officers Britney Khan and Monserrat Rivero Sanchez who took advantage of their PTK membership to run for international office and reach new heights.

Leveling Up: How PTK Transformed My Personal and Professional Journey 

By Britney Khan, International Vice President of Division III Britney Khan was elected as an International Officer at Catalyst 2024 in Orlando. She is a member of the Alpha Rho Sigma Chapter at Ivy Tech Community College- Bloomington in Indiana. As someone who finds it difficult to step out of their comfort zone, I took…