Academic excellence took center stage at Pearl River Community College as thirty-seven students were officially welcomed into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Iota Mu Chapter during a ceremony at the Brownstone Center for the Arts on Oct. 7. The Brownstone Center for the Arts served as the venue where students were recognized for academic achievement and commitment to their studies.
Known as the foremost honor society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) has nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. The Iota Mu Chapter covers both the Hancock and Poplarville campuses and is celebrating its 69th anniversary.
Students selected for membership are considered academically successful, having completed at least 12 credit hours of non-remedial courses with a minimum cumulative 3.4 GPA. Fall inductees were a blend of freshmen, who earned the credits through dual enrollment, and sophomores.
Scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship are the four hallmarks of PTK. Iota Mu Hallmark Officers are Hope Wheat (President & Regional CTE Representative), Juliana Willis (Vice President of Scholarship), Jada Johnson (Vice President of Leadership), Danielle Reid (Vice President of Service), Emily Copeland (Vice President of Fellowship), Nick Rogers (Vice President of Technology Services), Katherine Burge (Vice President of Research), Eddie Johnson (Vice President of Communication), and Lily Tynes (Vice President of Outreach). The officers participated in an induction of office, receiving a white rose and medallion after signing the chapter record book.
PTK advisor Kira Arthurs shared highlights of the chapter’s recent awards, along with this year’s plans for their College and Honors in Action projects. Copeland, Johnson, Reid, and Willis briefly shared how the four hallmarks have played out for them as members of PTK before Wheat introduced the guest speakers.
PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood gave an encouraging speech, reminding all of the hard work needed for each student to become a member of PTK.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate excellence; not the kind that can be measured by simply a grade point average or captured on a plaque, but the kind that is forged through late nights and early mornings and an unwavering belief that hard work still matters,” said Breerwood. “When I look across this room, I see the future. I see citizens who understand that success is sweetest when it's shared.
“Pearl River Community College is a place where stories are written — stories of first-generation college students, single parents, veterans, and dreamers who just simply refuse to settle. And your story, your journey, will be a very important part of that legacy.”
Dr. Ladd Taylor, Vice President of William Carey University’s Tradition Campus, addressed the new inductees on the value of being a PTK member. He shared more information about William Carey, including plans to add residential housing at the Tradition Campus.
“Joining PTK is one of the smartest things you'll ever do in your community college career,” said Taylor. “Life can be a grind, including your educational journey. It takes a lot of work, and often it takes a lot of perseverance. Rise to the occasion, expect great things of yourself, believe in yourself, set goals for yourself, then work hard to see them become a reality because no one is going to do it for you.”
Symbols of the organization were shared with attendees before each inductee was announced to walk the stage, sign the chapter record book, and receive a white rose.
Following the ceremony, the inductees had the opportunity to connect with a representative from William Carey University. Students learned about the diverse programs the school offers and the generous scholarships available for transfer students. PTK members who transfer to William Carey with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible for an annual scholarship valued at $9,000 for on-campus students and $6,300 for commuter students.
PRCC students from Marion County inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Iota Mu Chapter for the fall 2024 semester are:
Khalice Brown, Sandy Hook
Jada Burton, Columbia
Angela Davila-Israel, Columbia
Erick Jimenez, Columbia
Russell Long, Columbia
Savana Owens, Sandy Hook
Olivia Teague, Foxworth
Alyssa Watts, Columbia
Chyna Wells,
Columbia.
