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 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 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, the American Association of Junior Colleges (now the American Association of Community Colleges) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official national honor society for junior colleges. Phi Theta Kappa celebrates its "Founder's Day" on November 19 each year.
Symbols[edit]
The first membership pin was designed in 1921: a blue triangle containing the three Greek letters surrounded by pearls. The distinctive gold key[1] 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[2]. Local chapters may raise these eligibility standards.[3]
Members are required to pay a membership fee. Regional and local chapter fees may be added to the fee.[4]
Benefits of membership[edit]
Students may have the opportunity to have their work published[5] in society publications, such as PTK's Literary Journal Nota Bene,[6] Civic Scholar,[7] and Change Makers.[8]
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[9] 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[10]
- 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]
- ^ "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]
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| National | |
