Press Releases

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, 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Honors in Action combines academic research, problem solving, and action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in our communities. Developed to support student engagement in Honors in Action programming, the Phi Theta Kappa Honors in Action Grant helps bridge the financial gap between ideas and action. Honors in Action grants offer chapters a chance to request…

CCsmart, powered by Phi Theta Kappa, has launched a statewide awareness campaign in Missouri. This initiative aims to highlight community colleges as a smart choice for Missouri students, helping them achieve their educational and career goals.  The campaign is partially funded by a grant from Lumina Foundation, an independent private foundation dedicated to ensuring that learning…

CCsmart, powered by Phi Theta Kappa, has launched a statewide awareness campaign in Arkansas. This initiative aims to highlight community colleges as a smart choice for Arkansas students, helping them achieve their educational and career goals.  The campaign is partially funded by a grant from Lumina Foundation, an independent private foundation dedicated to ensuring that learning…

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has named Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of Community College of Aurora in Colorado, to its Presidential Advisory Board. He joins other college presidents from across the nation on the board as the Colorado representative. On the board, he will provide input into the organization’s strategic plan, priorities, and direction….

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) proudly announces the launch of a new AI-powered FAFSA Mentoring Tool, designed to support students in navigating the complexities of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. This innovative tool aims to empower high-achieving community college students by providing expert guidance and streamlining the financial aid application…

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner has been selected as Co-Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Commission on Student Success. Tincher-Ladner also serves as a member of AACC’s Board of Directors. The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access, success, and organizational transformation. The commission…