Phi Theta Kappa
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| Phi Theta Kappa | |
|---|---|
| ΦΘΚ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 19, 1918 Stephens College |
| Type | Honorary |
| Emphasis | All academic fields at community and junior colleges |
| Colors | Blue and Gold |
| Symbol | Golden key, Athena, oak leaves, laurel leaves |
| Chapters | 1,275 |
| Members | Over 3.5 million collegiate |
| Hallmarks | Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship |
| Headquarters | 1625 Eastover Drive Jackson, MS 39211 USA |
| Website | Official website |
Phi Theta Kappa (ΦΘΚ or PTK) is a general honor society of students seeking associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or other college credentials. It is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi.
Mission[edit]
The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement of community college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.
History, name, origin, and usage[edit]
Phi Theta Kappa can be traced back to Kappa Phi Omicron, an honor society established in 1910 at Stephens College in Missouri, a two-year college for women. As similar honor societies sprang up, members from eight Missouri women's colleges came together in 1918 attempt to create a single honor society for the junior college space.
Phi Theta Kappa is named after Phi Beta Kappa, and it was modeled after many aspects of the senior college honor society. The society adopted blue and gold, the golden key insignia, and modeled the name directly after Phi Beta Kappa. While similar in name, color scheme, and symbols, it is important to note that no formal relationship between the two societies has ever existed.
The first chapter was chartered at a coeducational school, St. Joseph Junior College in Missouri, in 1926. The first chapter chartered outside Missouri was at Northeast Junior College in Oklahoma.
On November 19, 1929, Phi Theta Kappa petitioned the American Association of Junior Colleges (now the American Association of Community Colleges) to be recognized as an official national honor society for junior colleges, alongside Phi Rho Pi and others. While not historically accurate, Phi Theta Kappa now celebrates its "Founder's Day" on November 19 each year.
In 1930, Margaret Mosal was elected as the first National President of Phi Theta Kappa.[1] Mosal oversaw the operations of Phi Theta Kappa from a makeshift office in the back of her husband's hardware store, where she notably stored all of the organization's records in a shoebox. In 1953, she moved the operations of Phi Theta Kappa to her home, underscoring the meager beginnings in the first fifty years of the society[2]
The society's second National President, Rod Risley, first joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student, becoming National President in 1974, and subsequently joined as an employee in 1977.[3] His career culminated in over three decades as Executive Director[4][5] and CEO, during which he was recognized in the AACC Hall of Fame in 2008.[6] However, Risley's tenure was overshadowed by serious allegations[7] and further controversy regarding his retirement compensation.[8] Following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers[9][10], Risley took a paid leave of absence. These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors to initiate an investigation.[11][12] Despite this ongoing investigation, Risley announced his retirement, leading to the premature termination of the inquiry.[13][14] Additionally, his abrupt retirement was marked by a multi-million dollar compensation package, which cast further doubt on the legitimacy and governance practices of Phi Theta Kappa. This decision left the allegations unresolved and raised significant concerns about accountability and transparency within Phi Theta Kappa. Risley's departure from the organization thus remains marred by these unresolved accusations and the substantial retirement payout, casting a shadow on his legacy and impacting the integrity of Phi Theta Kappa's leadership.[15]
The society has experienced embezzlement.[16] Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement in February 2024.[17][18][19] Lowe is accused of converting public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter for her own personal use. Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for 15 years, from 2008 to May of 2023. [20] [21][22][23][24][25]
Symbols[edit]
The Greek letters "Phi Theta Kappa" stand for phronimon, thumos, and katharotes, meaning "wisdom," "aspiration," and "purity." "PTK" is acceptable on second reference, and members may be referred to as "Phi Theta Kappans."
The first membership pin was designed in 1921: a blue triangle containing the three Greek letters surrounded by pearls. The distinctive gold key[26] membership pin was adopted in 1930 and features a black enamel band upon which the three Greek letters appear. Behind the band is a wreath composed of oak leaves on one side, denoting stability and strength of character, and laurel on the other side, signifying achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light, the light of learning, and knowledge. The colors of the society are blue for scholarship and gold for purity.
Membership[edit]
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation. Students must complete 12 hours of coursework toward an associate degree, 6 hours toward a one-year certificate, or 12 hours toward a bachelor's degree and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws.[27] Local chapters may raise these eligibility standards.[28]
Members are required to pay a membership fee. Regional and local chapter fees may be added to the fee.[29]
Benefits of membership[edit]
Students may have the opportunity to have their work published[30] in society publications, such as PTK's Literary Journal Nota Bene,[31] Civic Scholar,[32] and Change Makers.[33]
Members can seek leadership positions in their local chapters, their regions, or on the international level, which may bolster their resume and provides leadership experience, community service opportunities[34] and professional development. PTK offers an online program to help students develop job skills. Letters of recommendation are also available, as are discounts to national businesses.
Notable members[edit]
- Carol M. Browner, former United States Environmental Protection Agency administrator – Miami-Dade College
- Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and explorer – St. Petersburg College
- Evan Edinger, American-born YouTuber based in London, England – Salem Community College
- Clint Ford, actor and voice artist – Tarrant County College
- Alberto Gutman, former Florida Republican politician
- Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut – Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Clarence Harmon, former mayor of St. Louis – St. Louis Community College
- Garrett Johnson, shot putter and Rhodes Scholar
- Rich Karlgaard, Forbes magazine publisher – Bismarck State College
- Dr. Jeane Kirkpatrick, former United Nations ambassador – Stephens College
- Jim Lehrer, journalist and PBS news anchor – Victoria College
- Carolyne Mas, singer-songwriter and performer – Cochise College
- Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, author – Valley Forge Military Academy and College
- Francine Irving Neff, former Treasurer of the United States – Cottey College
- Mirta Ojito, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist – Miami-Dade Community College
- H. Ross Perot, billionaire businessman and former presidential candidate – Texarkana College
- James F. Ports Jr., former Maryland House of Delegates member – Essex Community College
- Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Romanian diplomat, political scientist and journalist – College of Alameda[35]
- Sela Ward, actress – Meridian Community College
- Michael Weiss, Olympic ice skater and American national champion – Prince George's Community College
- Steven Whitehurst, award-winning author – South Suburban College
- Trisha Yearwood, country musician and cookbook author – Young Harris College
References[edit]
- ^ "Founded by feisty females, PTK Honor Society continues to serve Craig and Rangely". craigdailypress.com. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2008" (PDF). ptk.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2009" (PDF). ptk.org. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "MGCCC to graduate largest number of students tonight at Mississippi Coast Coliseum". gulflive.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Exec. Dir. Phi Kappa Alpha gives Darton commencement speech". wfxl.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "AACC Community College Leadership Hall of Fame". AACC.nche.edu. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Board of Directors Responds To Allegations". ptk.org. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Honor Society Director Faces Allegations". insidehighered.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Victoria woman claims sexual harassment in honor society". victoriaadvocate.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Phi Theta Kappa director faces harassment allegations". theskylineview.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Phi Theta Kappa's Board on Harassment Allegations". insidehighered.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Provides New Statement". ptk.org. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Honor Society Leader Steps Down". insidehighered.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Honor society director retires amid sexual harassment allegations". clarionledger.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Former MGCCC administrator named CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society". gulflive.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ "Honor society advisor at Mississippi community college arrested for embezzlement". WLBT.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement". Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement". djournal.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former Mississippi community college honor society advisor charged with embezzlement". wjtv.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former honors society advisor at ICC charged with embezzlement". Wtva.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former honor society advisor at Itawamba Community College arrested for embezzlement". supertalk.fm. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement". vicksburgnews.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former ICC honor society advisor faces embezzlement charge". WCBI.com. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement". Yahoo News. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "FORMER ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE HONOR SOCIETY ADVISOR ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT". starherald.net. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Graphic Standards". ptk.org. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "Constitution & Bylaws". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Why Join?". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
- ^ "FAQs". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
- ^ Cardine, Sara (October 27, 2021). "Orange Coast College grad named first Phi Theta Kappa International Poet Laureate". LA Times. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Nota Bene". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Civic Scholar". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Change Makers". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ Douglas, Stephanie (September 16, 2021). "Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society surprises Midland healthcare workers with meals". CBS7. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "COA student named to All-California Academic Team" (PDF). College of Alameda. April 2, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 29, 2011. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
External links[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
