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 his time as a PTK member, Dr. Holmes emphasized the vital role student organizations play in shaping a well-rounded college experience.
“College isn’t about just the activities that take place in the classroom,” he shared. “College is about developing the ‘whole’ student: intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Student activities and organizations, such as PTK, help colleges achieve this mission.”
He noted that involvement in organizations like PTK not only supports student success but also fosters a sense of belonging.
“It has been proven over and over that students who participate in activities and organizations outside the classroom tend to be more successful in college,” he said. “In addition, students that participate in the activities tend to have a stronger sense of belonging at the institution.”
Dr. Holmes also highlighted a deeper takeaway from his time in PTK: the development of leadership and service.
“One of the things that I learned while being a member of Phi Theta Kappa and other honor societies is that these societies are not just about academic achievement,” he said. “These societies develop leaders… individuals who seek to give back to the community while also developing the skills which will benefit them personally throughout their lives.”
In a special moment celebrating his own PTK roots, Dr. Holmes was presented with a custom embroidered Phi Theta Kappa jacket by the Alpha Pi Beta chapter officers on Wednesday, April 9, to commemorate his inauguration as the 8th President of SUNY Niagara. The gesture reflected both his personal connection to the Honor Society and the deep appreciation of SUNY Niagara’s PTK chapter for his ongoing support of student success and engagement.
As SUNY Niagara moves forward under Dr. Holmes’ leadership, his commitment to holistic student development stands as a guiding principle — one rooted in personal experience and a passion for education that reaches beyond the classroom.
