Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has named the 2026 recipients of the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the Society’s highest honor for community college presidents.
The award is presented annually to college presidents who have demonstrated outstanding support for student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways for completion, transfer, and career readiness. Uniquely, recipients are nominated by students—making this recognition a powerful reflection of leadership felt directly on campus.
“Great college presidents do more than lead institutions—they create environments where students can thrive,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “These leaders are architects of opportunity, building cultures that elevate student success, strengthen communities, and expand what is possible for the students they serve.”
The 2026 Shirley B. Gordon Award recipients are:
Dr. Mary Bolt – Cecil College
Dr. Adam Breerwood – Pearl River Community College
Dr. Carrie Brimhall – Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Dr. Glenn Cerny – Schoolcraft College
Dr. Lisa Chapman – Central Carolina Community College
Dr. Cliff Davis – Ozarks Technical Community College
Dr. Karin Edwards – Clark College
Dr. Jackie Elliott – Central Arizona College
Dr. Julie Fickas – St. Louis Community College
Dr. Rolando Garcia – North Hennepin Community College
Dr. Ivan Harrell – Tacoma Community College
Dr. Curtis Ivery – Wayne County Community College District
Dr. Oscar Loynaz – Miami Dade College
Dr. Nick Nissley – Northwestern Michigan College
Dr. Christy Ponce – Temple College
Dr. David Shockley – Surry Community College
Dr. Lynda Villanueva – Lee College
Each recipient has served at least five years as a college president and has shown a sustained commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and leadership development. Their work reflects a deep investment in creating opportunities for students to grow, lead, and achieve their goals.
Recipients were recognized during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual Catalyst convention, held March 26–28, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information about the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction and Phi Theta Kappa, visit www.ptk.org.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helps them grow as scholars and leaders. Recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK also serves as the largest honor society in higher education, with more than 4.5 million members and nearly 1,200 chapters in 11 countries, including approximately 220,000 active members in colleges today. Through scholarships, leadership development, and transfer and career pathways, PTK helps students turn their potential into opportunity. Learn more at ptk.org.
