Columbia State Community College recently hosted the Tennessee Regional Convention for the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.
For the first time, the four-day event was held on Columbia State’s Williamson Campus. It has been 10 years since the regional convention was held on any of Columbia State’s campuses.
Regional conventions offer a networking opportunity for neighboring chapters of PTK, as well as a space to highlight the achievements of outstanding students and advisors.
The Tennessee Region of PTK serves over 10 chapters throughout the state.
The regional convention concluded with an awards ceremony featuring distinctions for community colleges across Tennessee. PTK advisors and members were present from 10 two-year colleges including:
- Columbia State Community College
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Dyersburg State Community College
- Jackson State Community College
- Motlow State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Northeast State Community College
- Roane State Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Walters State Community College
“After the recent opening of the Williamson Campus’ new Arts and Technology building, we jumped at the opportunity to host the Tennessee Regional PTK Convention this year!” said Dr. Kristin Jernigan, Columbia State associate professor of biology and Williamson Campus PTK advisor. “Over 70 PTK members and advisors representing 10 PTK chapters from 10 community colleges in Tennessee traveled from around the state to attend this event on our Williamson Campus. We received incredible support from our administration and staff here at Columbia State, as well as our own PTK students and advisors. This support was made evident by the many compliments I received on our facilities and the convention, as a whole, by those attending! I have never been prouder to be a member of the Columbia State family!”
Columbia State’s chapter of PTK received awards including the Five Star Chapter Award and first place for Distinguished Honors I Action Theme, Theme 4: Preserving Stories. Greg Mewbourn, Columbia State associate professor of history and Lawrence Campus PTK advisor, received second place for the Distinguished Advisor Award.
“I was very surprised to hear my name called for second place in the Distinguished Advisor category at the PTK Regional Convention,” Mewbourn said. “I am profoundly grateful to my fellow advisors and all those who played a part in my nomination. It is truly an honor to receive this award. PTK has brought, and continues to bring, great benefits to our students and campus communities. I am humbled by the opportunity to advise our students and consider myself privileged to be associated with this prestigious organization.”
PTK is regarded as the first honor society to recognize the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. PTK’s membership is estimated at 4.4 million worldwide.
Columbia State’s chapter of PTK, Beta Kappa Theta, was chartered in 2000 and has since achieved Five Star status many times. Membership in PTK is limited to roughly the top 10% of students based on academic achievements.
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