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Phi Theta Kappa
ΦΘΚ
FoundedNovember 19, 1918; 105 years ago (November 19, 1918)
Stephens College
TypeHonorary
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
Emphasis2-yr schools
ScopeInternational
PillarsScholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship
Colors  Blue and   Gold
SymbolGolden key, Athena, oak leaves, laurel leaves
FlowerWhite rose
Patron Greek divinityAthena
Chapters1,244
Members3.5 million+ lifetime
Headquarters1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
United States
Websitewww.ptk.org

Phi Theta Kappa (ΦΘΚ or PTK) is an honor society for students of associate degree-granting colleges. Its headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi and it has more than 4.3 million members in nearly 1,300 chapters in eleven nations.

History

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Phi Theta Kappa originated from Kappa Phi Omicron, an honor society established 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.

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. 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 4.3 million members.

Symbols

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Phi Theta Kappa acknowledges that it copied its name after Phi Beta Kappa,[3] 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.

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 key 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. Its hallmarks or pillars are ''Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship''.

Activities

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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.[4][5][6] 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.[7][8][9][10] PTK also offers an online program to help students develop job skills.

Membership

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Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation.[11][12] 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 3.5 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws.[11] Members are not required to pay a membership fee.[12]

Chapters

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Main article: List of Phi Theta Kappa chapters

Phi Theta Kappa has nearly 1,300 chapters in eleven nations.[13]

Notable members

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Selected notable members of Phi Theta Kappa
Member Chapter Notability References
Oula A. Alrifai University of Maryland Syrian writer [14]
Hamza Arsbi Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Programs social entrepreneur [15]
Carol M. Browner University of Florida lawyer, environmentalist, and businesswoman [16]
Anne Carlsen University of Minnesota special educator [17]
Thomas Matthew Crooks Community College of Allegheny County attempted assassin of Donald Trump [18][19]
Linda Dominguez Nassau Community College Nigerian publisher, public relations officer and tourism promoter [20]
Christopher G. Donovan Capitol Community College politician [21]
Sylvia Earle St. Petersburg College oceanographer, explorer and diver [16][22]
Evan Edinger Salem Community College YouTuber [23]
Alexander Gamelin Michigan State University ice dancer [24]
Alberto Gutman University of Miami politician [16]
Fred Haise Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College NASA astronaut [25]
Max Hechtman Fashion Institute of Technology filmmaker, video editor and videographer [26]
Rich Karlgaard Stanford University journalist and author [16]
Jeane Kirkpatrick Stephens College diplomat and political scientist [22]
Jim Lehrer Victoria College journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright [22]
Carolyne Mas Cochise College singer-songwriter and performer [27]
Doug Mastriano Mercer County Community College politician [28][29]
Wes Moore Valley Forge Military Academy and College politician, businessman, author, and veteran [30]
Francine Irving Neff University of New Mexico 35th treasurer of the United States [16]
Mirta Ojito Florida Atlantic University author and journalist [16]
Modupe Ozolua Southwestern College Lebanese-Nigerian-American philanthropist and entrepreneur [31]
Ross Perot Texarkana College businessman, politician and philanthropist [22]
William L. Roper University of Alabama physician and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [16]
Walter Rundell Jr. Lee College author, academic, and historian [32]
Venetta Seals Tyler Junior College politician and businesswoman [33]
Gerald Steichen Oklahoma City University music conductor, pianist and stage actor [16]
Dan Stoenescu College of Alameda Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist [34]
Bill Sinkin San Antonio College community activist and founder/chairman of Solar San Antonio [35][failed verification]
Sela Ward Meridian Community College actress [22]
Steven Whitehurst South Suburban College author, poet, and educator [16]
Trisha Yearwood Young Harris College singer and author [16][22]

Controversies and member misconduct

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In 2024, Phi Theta Kappa entered into two lawsuits over false advertising, attempted monopoly, and trade dress.[36][37] Honor Society sued PTK, claiming it misrepresents its membership criteria and potentially deceives students into joining under false pretenses, by falsely asserting that it is limited to the top ten percent of students.[citation needed] PTK filed a lawsuit against the Honor Society, alleging trademark infringement and the use of similar visual elements and marketing materials, namely blue and gold colors, gold stoles, and the usage of wreaths.[38]

In February 2024, Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement of public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter.[39][40][41][42] Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023.[43][44][45][46][47]

In 2015, national PTK president Rod Risley took a paid leave of absence following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers.[48][49][50] These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation.[51][52][53] Risley announced his retirement, leading to the termination of the inquiry and his receipt of a multi-million dollar retirement package.[54][55]

References

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  1. ^ "Founded by feisty females, PTK Honor Society continues to serve Craig and Rangely". craigdailypress.com. February 19, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2008" (PDF). ptk.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "About PTK". PTK. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  4. ^ "PTK Student Receives Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship". Quinsigamund Community College. April 26, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  5. ^ "Twenty Bright Stars: This Year's All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Recipients Named". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "The University of Arizona Global Campus Partners with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to Provide Tuition Benefits to Members, Employees" (Press release). University of Arizona Global Campus. November 22, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021 – via PR News Wire.
  7. ^ Cardine, Sara (October 27, 2021). "Orange Coast College grad named first Phi Theta Kappa International Poet Laureate". LA Times. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  8. ^ "Nota Bene". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  9. ^ "Civic Scholar". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  10. ^ "Change Makers". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Phi Theta Kappa Constitution". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "FAQs". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  13. ^ "Chapters". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "Oula A. Alrifai". cmes.fas.harvard.edu.
  15. ^ "YES Alum Hamza Arsbi Receives the AMENDS Fellowship". YES Programs.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society: Reynolds Community College PTK Induction Ceremony program for Fall 2020". reynoldscommunitycollege. November 2, 2020. p. 5. Retrieved October 9, 2024 – via issuu.
  17. ^ "Anne Carlsen Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame 1988 Inductee". Norsk Hostfest. October 20, 2020.
  18. ^ "Thomas Matthew Crooks Member of College's Honors Society ... Set to Transfer to 4-Year". TMZ. July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  19. ^ "Thomas Matthew Crooks Honors Society Member on Paper ... But Unknown To Members". TMZ. July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  20. ^ Preye, Campbell (January 23, 2022). "Linda Enakeme Ofukeme Dominguez: The Voyage of a Change Agent". P.M. News.
  21. ^ "CONTENTdm". cslib.contentdm.oclc.org. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d e f "Prestigious Recognition". Phi Theta Kappa. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  23. ^ "Evan Edinger". LinkedIn. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  24. ^ American School (August 2014). "American School Holds 76th Annual Scholarship Meeting" (PDF). p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 3, 2015.
  25. ^ "Astronaut Bio: Fred Haise" (PDF). NASA. January 1996. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2021.
  26. ^ "Max Hechtman". LinkedIn. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  27. ^ "Carol Mas Phi Theta Kappa certificate". Carolyne Mas. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via Wayback Machine.
  28. ^ "Local happenings: Douglas V. Mastriano" (PDF). The Hightstown Gazette. Hightstown, New Jersey. June 23, 1983. p. 1, col. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 22, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "Area Students Inducted Into National Honor Societies". Messenger-Press. Allentown, New Jersey. May 12, 1983. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ Trent, Sydney (November 2, 2022). "Wes Moore tried to run away from military school. It changed his life instead". The Washington Post.
  31. ^ "Princess Modupe Ozolua with Empower 54, Sean Henry Founder/CEO of Stord and Tony Sakich Director of Marketing for Augur". Business RadioX. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  32. ^ "Rundell Collection Ceremonies Announced". The Baytown Sun (Baytown, TX). March 11, 1984. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Pecos, TX : Mayor Venetta Seals". Pecos, TX. September 20, 2011.
  34. ^ "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.
  35. ^ "A Guide to the William and Fay Sinkin Papers, 1920-2014". Texas Archival Resources Online.
  36. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Sues Las Vegas Company for Trademark Infringement". PTK. April 21, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  37. ^ "Honor Society® Sues Phi Theta Kappa Over Deceptive Practices and Attempted Monopoly". PR Newswire. May 9, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Trademark Suit Greenlit Against HonorSociety.Org". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  39. ^ "Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement". Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. February 12, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  40. ^ Moore, William (February 12, 2024). "Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  41. ^ Smith, Sethanie (February 12, 2024). "Former Mississippi community college honor society advisor charged with embezzlement". WJTV. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  42. ^ "Honor society advisor at Mississippi community college arrested for embezzlement". WLBT. February 12, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  43. ^ Carlisle, Zac (February 12, 2024). "Former honors society advisor at ICC charged with embezzlement". WTVA. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  44. ^ Mitchell, J.T. (February 12, 2024). "Former honor society advisor at Itawamba Community College arrested for embezzlement". SuperTalk Mississippi. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  45. ^ "Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement". Vicksburg Daily News. February 13, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  46. ^ Barnes, Joey (February 12, 2024). "Former ICC honor society advisor faces embezzlement charge". WCBI. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  47. ^ "Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement". The Star-Herald. February 13, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  48. ^ Priest, Jessica (April 4, 2015). "Victoria woman claims sexual harassment in honor society". The Victoria Advocate. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  49. ^ Maller, Max (April 8, 2015). "Phi Theta Kappa director faces harassment allegations". The Skyline View. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  50. ^ Smith, Ashley A. (March 31, 2015). "Honor Society Director Faces Allegations". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  51. ^ Fain, Paul (April 9, 2015). "Phi Theta Kappa's Board on Harassment Allegations". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  52. ^ "Board of Directors Responds To Allegations". Phi Theta Kappa. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  53. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Provides New Statement". Phi Theta Kappa. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  54. ^ Smith, Ashley A. (July 13, 2015). "Honor Society Leader Steps Down". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  55. ^ Royals, Kate (July 14, 2015). "Honor society director retires amid sexual harassment allegations". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
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