Jackson State earns top recognition with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Apr 28th, 2017

Jackson State Community College's Chi Omicron Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society was awarded a Five-Star chapter distinction, which is the highest rating the international organization bestows.

Throughout the year, the chapter's officers and members worked to raise the rating from Two-Star status, which it had previously received. The star status is indicative of a chapter's engagement - Phi Theta Kappa chapters have five levels of engagement that progress from local to international involvement.

Chapter members received the award during the organization's national convention in Nashville.

"It took so much work to accomplish this goal: a college project, an Honors In Action project, holding bi-weekly meetings, recruiting members, volunteering, meeting with and learning from other chapters and holding inductions each semester," said Dr. Anna Esquivel, Assistant Professor of English and a Chi Omicron advisor. "Chapter members have truly earned this distinction."

Also during the convention, Dr. Allana Hamilton, Jackson State president, received Phi Theta Kappa's Distinguished College Administrator Award. The award recognized her work with the organization at Northeast State Community College where she was Vice President of Academic Affairs before her move to Jackson State this past January.

Jackson State's Chi Omicron Chapter's charter was established in 1971, four years after the community college opened. Officers of the Jackson State chapter are Matthew Ballard, president; Rachel Blankinship, vice president; Alexis Beibers, secretary; and Janelle Kyle, treasurer. Along with Esquivel, Prof. David Hart also is a faculty advisor.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - with almost 1,300 chapters, including 14 in Tennessee - is the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs. Its mission is to recognize academic achievement of college students and provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.

Jackson State Community College provides accessible learning opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals, strengthen the workforce and empower the diverse communities of West Tennessee. The institution offers traditional and contemporary associate degrees, certificates, continuing education and enrichment, and college-readiness programs.



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