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{{Short description|International community college honor society}}{{Refimprove|April 2024|date=April 2024}}{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}

factoids

Blue and {{Color boxGold (color)>Gold| patron greek divinity = Athena| chapters = 1,275+| members = | lifetime = 3.5 million+| address = 1625 Eastover DriveJackson, Mississippi>Jackson| state = Mississippi| ZIP code = 39211| country = United States| free_label = Hallmarks| free = Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowshipwww.ptk.org/}}}}Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society ( or PTK) is an international honor society of students seeking associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or other college credentials. Its headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi and it has more than 3.5 million members in nearly 1,300 chapters in ten nations.

History

Phi Theta Kappa originated from Kappa Phi Omicron, an honor society established in 1910 at Stephens College in Missouri, a two-year college for women. As similar honor societies formed in Missouri, the college presidents and students of eight Missouri women’s colleges came together in 1918 to create a single honor society—Phi Theta Kappa.Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is to recognize community college students’ academic achievement and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Phi Theta Kappa was named after Phi Beta Kappa and modeled after many aspects of the senior college honor society. Its first chapter was chartered at 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.WEB, Founded by feisty females, PTK Honor Society continues to serve Craig and Rangely,www.craigdailypress.com/news/founded-by-feisty-females-ptk-honor-society-continues-to-serve-craig-and-rangely/, April 23, 2024, craigdailypress.com, en-US, 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 societyWEB, Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2008,www.ptk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2008visionary.pdf, April 22, 2024, ptk.org, en-US, 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. His career culminated in over three decades as executive director and CEO, during which he was recognized in the AACC Hall of Fame in 2008. Today, the society’s headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 3.5 million members in nearly 1,300 chapters in ten nations.

Symbols

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 Greek letters “Phi Theta Kappa” stand for , , and , meaning “wisdom,” “aspiration,” and “purity.” Its members are referred to as “Phi Theta Kappans.” The first membership pin was designed in 1921: a blue triangle containing three Greek letters surrounded by pearls. The distinctive gold keyWEB, Graphic Standards,www.ptk.org/media/graphic-standards/, January 26, 2021, ptk.org, en-US, 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.

Activities

Phi Theta Kappa offers transfer scholarships for its members and scholarships to help members complete associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and to help workforce-bound member pay for certification costs.WEB, April 26, 2021, PTK Student Receives Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship,www.qcc.edu/newsletter/2021/04/ptk-student-receives-walgreens-pharmacy-technician-scholarship, December 14, 2021, Quinsigamund Community College, en-US, WEB, Twenty Bright Stars: This Year’s All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Recipients Named,narratives.insidehighered.com/all-usa-academic-team/, December 14, 2021, Inside Higher Ed, en-US, PRESS RELEASE, The University of Arizona Global Campus Partners with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to Provide Tuition Benefits to Members, Employees,www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-university-of-arizona-global-campus-partners-with-phi-theta-kappa-honor-society-to-provide-tuition-benefits-to-members-employees-301430143.html, December 14, 2021, November 22, 2021, University of Arizona Global Campus, PR News Wire, en-US, The society publishes the literary journal Nota Bene, Civic Scholar: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research, and Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership.NEWS, Cardine, Sara, October 27, 2021, Orange Coast College grad named first Phi Theta Kappa International Poet Laureate,www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2021-10-27/orange-coast-college-grad-named-first-phi-theta-kappa-international-poet-laureate, December 14, 2021, LA Times, en-US, WEB, Nota Bene,www.ptk.org/benefits/honors-program/nota-bene-literary-competition/, December 14, 2021, Phi Theta Kappa, en-US, WEB, Civic Scholar,www.ptk.org/benefits/honors-program/civic-scholar-journal/, December 14, 2021, Phi Theta Kappa, en-US, WEB, Change Makers,www.ptk.org/change-makers-journal/, December 14, 2021, Phi Theta Kappa, en-US, PTK also offers an online program to help students develop job skills.

Membership

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation. Students must complete twelve hours of coursework toward an associate degree, six hours toward a one-year certificate, or twelve hours toward a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws.WEB, Constitution & Bylaws,www.ptk.org/policies/constitution-bylaws/#Membership, Phi Theta Kappa, April 16, 2024, Members are required to pay a membership fee.WEB, FAQs,www.ptk.org/join/faqs/, Phi Theta Kappa, October 19, 2021,

Leadership misconduct

Rod Risley’s tenure as national president was overshadowed by serious allegations and further controversy regarding his retirement compensation.WEB, Honor Society Director Faces Allegations,www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/03/31/students-accuse-director-community-college-honor-society-sexual-harassment, April 24, 2024, insidehighered.com, en-US, WEB, Board of Directors Responds To Allegations,www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations, dead,www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations," title="web.archive.org/web/20150411044115www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations,">web.archive.org/web/20150411044115www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations, April 11, 2015, 2024-04-24, ptk.org, Internet Archive, Following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers, Risley took a paid leave of absence.WEB, Victoria woman claims sexual harassment in honor society,www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/victoria-woman-claims-sexual-harassment-in-honor-society/article_3e4587c6-c7e0-506d-a840-83a157110f11.html, April 24, 2024, victoriaadvocate.com, en-US, WEB, Phi Theta Kappa director faces harassment allegations,www.theskylineview.com/news/state-news/2015/04/08/phi-theta-kappa-director-faces-harassment-allegations/, April 24, 2024, theskylineview.com, en-US, These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation.WEB, Phi Theta Kappa’s Board on Harassment Allegations,www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/04/10/phi-theta-kappas-board-harassment-allegations, April 24, 2024, insidehighered.com, en-US, WEB, Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Provides New Statement,www.ptk.org/news/phi-theta-kappa-board-of-directors-provides-new-statement, dead,web.archive.org/web/20150418014557/https://www.ptk.org/news/phi-theta-kappa-board-of-directors-provides-new-statement, April 18, 2015, 2024-04-24, ptk.org, Internet Archive, Risley announced his retirement, leading to the premature termination of the inquiry.WEB, Honor Society Leader Steps Down,www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/07/14/phi-theta-kappa-honor-society-director-retires, April 24, 2024, insidehighered.com, en-US, WEB, Honor society director retires amid sexual harassment allegations,www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/07/14/phi-theta-kappa-rod-risley/30142377/, April 24, 2024, clarionledger.com, en-US, 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.WEB, Former MGCCC administrator named CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society,www.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/02/long_beach_native_named_ceo_of.html, April 24, 2024, gulflive.com, en-US, The society has experienced embezzlement.WEB, Honor society advisor at Mississippi community college arrested for embezzlement,www.wlbt.com/2024/02/12/honor-society-advisor-mississippi-community-college-arrested-embezzlement/, April 22, 2024, WLBT.com, en-US, Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement in February 2024.WEB, Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement,www2.osa.ms.gov/news/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-for-embezzlement/, April 22, 2024, Mississippi Office of the State Auditor, en-US, WEB, Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement,www.djournal.com/news/crime-law-enforcement/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-charged-with-embezzlement/article_2a6ff5e0-c9e9-11ee-bd6c-fbf7a4489dc9.html, April 22, 2024, djournal.com, en-US, WEB, Former Mississippi community college honor society advisor charged with embezzlement,www.wjtv.com/news/state/former-mississippi-community-college-honor-society-advisor-charged-with-embezzlement/, April 22, 2024, wjtv.com, en-US, 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 fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023. WEB, Former honors society advisor at ICC charged with embezzlement,www.wtva.com/news/local/former-honors-society-advisor-at-icc-charged-with-embezzlement/article_297fce7a-c9f4-11ee-b785-2b855f889e23.html, April 22, 2024, Wtva.com, en-US, WEB, Former honor society advisor at Itawamba Community College arrested for embezzlement,www.supertalk.fm/former-honor-society-advisor-at-itawamba-community-college-arrested-for-embezzlement/, April 22, 2024, supertalk.fm, en-US, WEB, Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement,vicksburgnews.com/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-for-embezzlement/, April 22, 2024, vicksburgnews.com, en-US, WEB, Former ICC honor society advisor faces embezzlement charge,www.wcbi.com/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-faces-embezzlement-charge/, April 22, 2024, WCBI.com, en-US, WEB, Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement,news.yahoo.com/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-045900065.html, April 22, 2024, Yahoo News, en-US, WEB, FORMER ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE HONOR SOCIETY ADVISOR ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT,www.starherald.net/press-releases/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-embezzlement, April 22, 2024, starherald.net, en-US,

Notable members {| class“wikitable sortable”

!Member!Chapter!Notability!ReferencesCarol Browner>Carol M. Browner|Miami-Dade College|former United States Environmental Protection Agency administrator||Sylvia Earle|St. Petersburg College|oceanographer and explorer||Evan Edinger|Salem Community College|YouTuber archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205082605www.linkedin.com/in/evanedinger/?originalSubdomain=uk%23 access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=LinkedIn}}|Clint Ford|Tarrant County College|actor and voice artist||Alberto Gutman|Florida Republican Party (United States)>Republican politician||Fred Haise|Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College|Apollo 13 astronaut ||Clarence Harmon|St. Louis Community CollegeSt. Louis, Missouri>St. Louis ||Garrett Johnson|shot putter and Rhodes Scholarship>Rhodes Scholar||Rich Karlgaard|Bismarck State CollegeForbes (magazine)>Forbes magazine publisher||Jeane Kirkpatrick|Stephens College|United Nations ambassador and presidential advisor||Jim LehrerVictoria College, Texas>Victoria CollegePublic Broadcasting Service>PBS news anchor||Carolyne Mas|Cochise College|singer-songwriter and performer URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20160428035436/HTTP://WWW.CAROLYNEMAS.COM/IMAGES/PTK2SMALL_RESIZED.JPG WEBSITE=WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG, Wayback Machine, |Wes Moore|Valley Forge Military Academy and College|Governor of Maryland||Francine Irving Neff|Cottey College|former Treasurer of the United States ||Mirta Ojito|Miami-Dade Community College|Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist|Ross Perot>H. Ross Perot|Texarkana College|billionaire businessman and former presidential candidate||James F. Ports Jr.Community College of Baltimore County>Essex Community College|former Maryland House of Delegates member||Dan StoenescuCollege of AlamedaAPRIL 2, 2001 URL=HTTP://209.129.196.100/COLLEGE-PUBS/COA-TODAY-4201.PDF ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110529232509/HTTP://209.129.196.100/COLLEGE-PUBS/COA-TODAY-4201.PDF ACCESS-DATE=DECEMBER 8, 2008, College of Alameda, |Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist ||Sela Ward|Meridian Community College|actress|Michael Weiss (figure skater)>Michael Weiss|Prince George’s Community College|Olympic ice skater and American national champion||Steven Whitehurst|South Suburban College|award-winning author||Trisha Yearwood|Young Harris College|country musician and cookbook author|

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

• Phi Theta Kappa Website

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