Charting a New Course: How Dean Hendricks Found Purpose, Passion, and a New Path Forward

Two weeks before stepping onto the stage at the AACC President’s Breakfast, Dean Hendricks had already reached a milestone many students only dream of. Named a New Century Workforce Scholar and recognized as a member of the All-USA Academic Team, he stood among the nation’s top community college students. But his story didn’t begin with…

Turning Experience into Advocacy: How Amber Fralix Found Purpose Through Community College

Amber Fralix, a member of the All-USA Academic Team, was selected to share her story at this year’s AACC Conference, representing students whose lives have been transformed through community college. Her journey to higher education did not begin in a classroom. It began in instability, shaped by early experiences in foster care and the lasting…

Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Establishes David Shinn Family Scholarship Endowment to Support Future Global Leaders

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation has announced the establishment of the David Shinn Family Scholarship Endowment, a permanent scholarship fund created by Ambassador David H. Shinn to support high-achieving community college students pursuing careers related to international affairs. An alumnus and longtime supporter of Phi Theta Kappa, Ambassador Shinn has dedicated his career to public service,…

Gorman named PTK Foundation Executive Director

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation are pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Karpinski Gorman as its new Executive Director following a national search. A proud PTK alumna and former International President, Gorman brings her deep connection to the organization and passion for empowering community college students like…

PTK Foundation Appoints Byrne to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation announces the appointment of Kevin Byrne to its Board of Trustees. Byrne brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to the board. Byrne currently serves as CEO of the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, where he leads strategic grantmaking…

PTK Foundation Names Dr. Marlowe Chair of Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation announces the appointment of Dr. Monica Marlowe as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Dr. Marlowe brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, including more than a decade in advancement and fundraising. A proud alumna of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Dr. Marlowe holds a Ph.D. in…

Bower Foundation Partners with PTK to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce

Mississippi is benefiting from a new partnership between Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) and the Bower Foundation. The partnership aims to help hardworking, high-achieving Mississippi community college students complete their degrees in nursing and allied health fields. The initiative, funded by the Bower Foundation, provides PTK member scholarships to 600 students across the state….

Meet the 2025-2026 International Officer Team

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) elected five new International Officers during PTK Catalyst 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. These students were chosen by their peers—more than 220,000 active members—to serve as the 2025–2026 International Officer Team, the highest student leadership position within the organization. More than honorary ambassadors, these student leaders engage in what…

PTK Alumnus Nick Moore Featured on Roadtrip Nation

Before Nick Moore made it to Capitol Hill and the Alabama Governor’s Office, he was a Phi Theta Kappa member. Nick began his higher education journey at Enterprise State Community College in Alabama, according to his Roadtrip Nation profile. At Enterprise State, he joined the Tau Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and later served as chapter vice president. This early…

Dr. Monica Marlowe Appointed to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Monica Marlowe to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Marlowe brings 27 years of experience in higher education, including more than a decade in advancement and fundraising. A proud community college alumna, Dr. Marlowe holds a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership, a master’s degree in education with…

Alahmar Named Board of Directors Alumni Representative

Tala Alahmar, former 2021-2022 International President, has been appointed to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Board of Directors as the Alumni Representative. In addition to having served on the 2021-2022 international officer team as International President, Alahmar was the president of her college’s PTK chapter and of the PTK Michigan region, and she previously sat…

Justin Oberndorf Appointed to Board of Trustees

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation is proud to announce that Justin Oberndorf has joined its Board of Trustees. A dedicated educator and long-time supporter of PTK, Oberndorf brings over 20 years of experience in education and leadership development to the Foundation. Oberndorf holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education and currently serves as an…

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