Phi Theta Kappa

{{Infobox fraternity

| name = Phi Theta Kappa

| letters = {{lang|grc|ΦΘΚ}}

| crest = Phi_Theta_Kappa_key.jpg

| image_size = 120px

| founded = {{Start date and age|November 19, 1918}}

| birthplace = Stephens College

| affiliation = Independent

| status = Active

| type = Honor society

| emphasis = 2-yr schools

| scope = International

| flower = White rose

| symbol = Golden key, Athena, oak leaves, laurel leaves

| colors = {{Color box|#0000FF}} Blue and {{Color box|#FFD700}} Gold

| patron greek divinity = Athena

| chapters = 1,244

| members =

| lifetime = 3.5 million+

| pillars = Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship

| free_label =

| free =

| address = 1625 Eastover Drive

| city = Jackson

| state = Mississippi

| ZIP code = 39211

| country = United States

| homepage = {{url|http://www.ptk.org/}}

}}

Phi Theta Kappa ({{lang|grc|ΦΘΚ}} or PTK) is an honor society for students of associate degree-granting colleges. Its headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi and it has more than 4.3 million members in nearly 1,300 chapters in eleven nations.

History

Phi Theta Kappa originated from Kappa Phi Omicron, an honor society established at Stephens College in Missouri, a two-year college for women. As similar honor societies formed in Missouri, the college presidents and students of eight Missouri women's colleges came together in 1918 to create a single honor society—Phi Theta Kappa.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

Phi Theta Kappa's mission is to recognize community college students' academic achievement and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Phi Theta Kappa was named after Phi Beta Kappa and modeled after many aspects of the senior college honor society. Its first chapter was chartered at St. Joseph Junior College in Missouri, in 1926.

On November 19, 1929, Phi Theta Kappa petitioned the American Association of Junior Colleges (now the American Association of Community Colleges) to be recognized as an official national honor society for junior colleges, alongside Phi Rho Pi and others. While not historically accurate, Phi Theta Kappa now celebrates its "Founder's Day" on November 19 each year.

In 1930, Margaret Mosal was elected as the first National President of Phi Theta Kappa.{{Cite web|title=Founded by feisty females, PTK Honor Society continues to serve Craig and Rangely |url=https://www.craigdailypress.com/news/founded-by-feisty-females-ptk-honor-society-continues-to-serve-craig-and-rangely/ |access-date=April 23, 2024|website=craigdailypress.com |date=February 19, 2017 |language=en-US}} Mosal oversaw the operations of Phi Theta Kappa from a makeshift office in the back of her husband's hardware store, where she notably stored all of the organization's records in a shoebox. In 1953, she moved the operations of Phi Theta Kappa to her home, underscoring the meager beginnings in the first fifty years of the society{{Cite web|title=Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2008 |url=https://www.ptk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2008visionary.pdf |access-date=April 22, 2024|website=ptk.org|language=en-US}}

The society's second national president, Rod Risley, first joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student, becoming national president in 1974, and subsequently joined as an employee in 1977. His career culminated in over three decades as executive director and CEO, during which he was recognized in the American Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame in 2008.

Today, the society's headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 4.3 million members.

Symbols

Phi Theta Kappa acknowledges that it copied its name after Phi Beta Kappa,{{Cite web |title=About PTK |url=https://www.ptk.org/about-ptk/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=PTK |language=en-US}} 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.

Members are referred to as "Phi Theta Kappans." The first membership pin was designed in 1921: a blue triangle containing three Greek letters surrounded by pearls. The distinctive gold key 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. Its hallmarks or pillars are Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship.

Activities

Phi Theta Kappa offers transfer scholarships for its members and scholarships to help members complete associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and to help workforce-bound member pay for certification costs.{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2021 |title=PTK Student Receives Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship |url=https://www.qcc.edu/newsletter/2021/04/ptk-student-receives-walgreens-pharmacy-technician-scholarship |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Quinsigamund Community College |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Twenty Bright Stars: This Year's All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Recipients Named |url=https://narratives.insidehighered.com/all-usa-academic-team/ |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en-US}}{{Cite press release |title=The University of Arizona Global Campus Partners with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to Provide Tuition Benefits to Members, Employees |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-university-of-arizona-global-campus-partners-with-phi-theta-kappa-honor-society-to-provide-tuition-benefits-to-members-employees-301430143.html |access-date=December 14, 2021 |date=November 22, 2021 |publisher=University of Arizona Global Campus |via=PR News Wire |language=en-US}} The society publishes the literary journal Nota Bene, Civic Scholar: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research, and Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership.{{Cite news |last=Cardine |first=Sara |date=October 27, 2021 |title=Orange Coast College grad named first Phi Theta Kappa International Poet Laureate |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2021-10-27/orange-coast-college-grad-named-first-phi-theta-kappa-international-poet-laureate |access-date=December 14, 2021 |newspaper=LA Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Nota Bene |url=https://www.ptk.org/benefits/honors-program/nota-bene-literary-competition/ |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Civic Scholar |url=https://www.ptk.org/benefits/honors-program/civic-scholar-journal/ |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Change Makers |url=https://www.ptk.org/change-makers-journal/ |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |language=en-US}} PTK also offers an online program to help students develop job skills.

Membership

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only.{{cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://www.ptk.org/join/faqs/ |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=October 9, 2024}} Students must complete twelve hours of coursework toward an associate degree, six hours toward a one-year certificate, or twelve hours toward a bachelor's degree and have a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws.{{cite web |title=Phi Theta Kappa Constitution |url=https://www.ptk.org/constitution-and-bylaws/#Membership-in-the-Society |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=October 9, 2024}} Members are required to pay an initial membership fee.

Chapters

Phi Theta Kappa has nearly 1,300 chapters in eleven nations.{{Cite web |title=Chapters |url=https://www.ptk.org/chapters/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |language=en-US}}

Notable members

class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Selected notable members of Phi Theta Kappa !scope="col"\| Member !scope="col"\| Chapter !scope="col"\| Notability !scope="col" class="unsortable"\| References
scope="row" \| Oula A. Alrifai \| University of Maryland \| Syrian writer \| {{Cite web\|url=https://cmes.fas.harvard.edu/news/congratulations-cmes-graduates-2018-19\|title=Oula A. Alrifai\|website=cmes.fas.harvard.edu\|language=en\|access-date=}}
scope="row" \| Hamza Arsbi \| Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Programs \| social entrepreneur \| {{Cite web\|title=YES Alum Hamza Arsbi Receives the AMENDS Fellowship\|url=https://www.yesprograms.org/stories/yes-alum-hamza-arsbi-receives-amends-fellowship\|access-date= \|website=YES Programs\|language=en}}
scope="row" \| Carol M. Browner \| University of Florida \| lawyer, environmentalist, and businesswoman \| {{cite web \|title=Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society: Reynolds Community College PTK Induction Ceremony program for Fall 2020 \|date=November 2, 2020 \|url=https://issuu.com/reynoldscommunitycollege/docs/induction_20program_20web \|publisher=reynoldscommunitycollege \|via=issuu \|page=5 \|access-date=October 9, 2024}}
scope="row" \| Anne Carlsen \| University of Minnesota \| special educator \| {{cite web \|title=Anne Carlsen Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame 1988 Inductee \|url=https://hostfest.com/2020/10/20/anne-carlsen/ \|website=Norsk Hostfest \|date=October 20, 2020 \|access-date=}}
scope="row" \| Thomas Matthew Crooks \| Community College of Allegheny County \| attempted assassin of Donald Trump \| {{cite web \|title=Thomas Matthew Crooks Member of College's Honors Society ... Set to Transfer to 4-Year \|url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/18/thomas-matthew-crooks-honors-society-college-set-transfer-university/ \|access-date=July 19, 2024 \|website=TMZ\|date=July 18, 2024 }}{{cite web \|title=Thomas Matthew Crooks Honors Society Member on Paper ... But Unknown To Members \|url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/19/thomas-matthew-crooks-not-active-honor-society-phi-theta-kappa-unknown/ \|access-date=July 19, 2024 \|website=TMZ\|date=July 19, 2024 }}
scope="row" \| Linda Dominguez \| Nassau Community College \| Nigerian publisher, public relations officer and tourism promoter \| {{Cite web \|last=Preye \|first=Campbell \|date=23 January 2022 \|title=Linda Enakeme Ofukeme Dominguez: The Voyage of a Change Agent \|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/01/23/linda-enakeme-ofukeme-dominguez-the-voyage-of-a-change-agent/ \|website=P.M. News}}
scope="row" \| Christopher G. Donovan \| Capitol Community College \| politician \| {{Cite web \|title=CONTENTdm \|url=https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p128501coll2/id/318001/%5B%5D%5B%5D \|access-date=2024-10-28 \|website=cslib.contentdm.oclc.org}}
scope="row" \| Sylvia Earle \| St. Petersburg College \| oceanographer, explorer and diver \| {{cite web \|title=Prestigious Recognition \|url=https://www.ptk.org/benefits/prestigious-recognition/ \|access-date=September 28, 2024 \|website=Phi Theta Kappa}}
scope="row" \| Evan Edinger \| Salem Community College \| YouTuber \| {{cite web \|title=Evan Edinger \|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanedinger/ \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205082605/https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanedinger/?originalSubdomain=uk%23 \|archive-date=February 5, 2021 \|access-date=February 5, 2021 \|website=LinkedIn}}
scope="row" \| Alexander Gamelin \| Michigan State University \| ice dancer \| {{cite web\|author1=American School \|title=American School Holds 76th Annual Scholarship Meeting \|url=http://www.americanschoolofcorr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014-July-August-newsletter-revised.pdf \|access-date= \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203152709/http://www.americanschoolofcorr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014-July-August-newsletter-revised.pdf \|archive-date=3 December 2015 \|pages=4 \|date=August 2014 \|url-status=live}}
scope="row" \| Alberto Gutman \| University of Miami \| politician \|
scope="row" \| Fred Haise \| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College \| NASA astronaut \| {{cite web \|title=Astronaut Bio: Fred Haise \|website=NASA \|date=January 1996 \|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/haise_fred.pdf \|access-date= \|archive-date=June 30, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630212624/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/haise_fred.pdf \|url-status=live}}
scope="row" \| Max Hechtman \| Fashion Institute of Technology \| filmmaker, video editor and videographer \| {{cite web \|title=Max Hechtman \|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhechtman/ \|access-date=September 26, 2024 \|website=LinkedIn}}
scope="row" \| Rich Karlgaard \| Stanford University \| journalist and author \|
scope="row" \| Jeane Kirkpatrick \| Stephens College \| diplomat and political scientist \|
scope="row" \| Jim Lehrer \| Victoria College \| journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright \|
scope="row" \| Carolyne Mas \| Cochise College \| singer-songwriter and performer \| {{Cite web \|title=Carol Mas Phi Theta Kappa certificate \|url=http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg \|access-date=April 26, 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428035436/http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg \|archive-date=April 28, 2016 \|website=Carolyne Mas\|via=Wayback Machine}}
scope="row" \| Doug Mastriano \| Mercer County Community College \| politician \| {{cite news \|date=June 23, 1983 \|title=Local happenings: Douglas V. Mastriano \|url=https://www.digifind-it.com/hightstown/data/gazette/1983/1983-06-23.pdf \|work=The Hightstown Gazette \|location=Hightstown, New Jersey \|at=p. 1, col. 4 \|access-date=October 9, 2024 \|archive-date=March 22, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322140638/https://www.digifind-it.com/hightstown/data/gazette/1983/1983-06-23.pdf \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|date=May 12, 1983 \|title=Area Students Inducted Into National Honor Societies \|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73959475/area-students/ \|work=Messenger-Press \|location=Allentown, New Jersey \|page=11 \|via=Newspapers.com}}
scope="row" \| Wes Moore \| Valley Forge Military Academy and College \| politician, businessman, author, and veteran \| {{cite news \|last=Trent \|first=Sydney \|title=Wes Moore tried to run away from military school. It changed his life instead. \|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/11/02/wes-moore-military-school-valley-forge/ \|access-date= \|newspaper=The Washington Post \|date=November 2, 2022}}
scope="row" \| Francine Irving Neff \| University of New Mexico \| 35th treasurer of the United States \|
scope="row" \| Mirta Ojito \| Florida Atlantic University \| author and journalist \|
scope="row" \| Modupe Ozolua \| Southwestern College \| Lebanese-Nigerian-American philanthropist and entrepreneur \| {{Cite news\|url=http://businessradiox.com/podcast/atlanta-business-radio/princess-modupe-ozolua-empower-54-sean-henry-founderceo-stord-tony-sakich-director-marketing-augur/\|title=Princess Modupe Ozolua with Empower 54, Sean Henry Founder/CEO of Stord and Tony Sakich Director of Marketing for Augur\|work=Business RadioX\|access-date=9 July 2018}}
scope="row" \| Ross Perot \| Texarkana College \| businessman, politician and philanthropist \|
scope="row" \| William L. Roper \| University of Alabama \| physician and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) \|
scope="row" \| Walter Rundell Jr. \| Lee College \| author, academic, and historian \| {{Cite news\|date=March 11, 1984\|title=Rundell Collection Ceremonies Announced\|pages=1\|work=The Baytown Sun (Baytown, TX)\|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96425980/walter-rundell-jr-collection/\|access-date= \|via=Newspapers.com}}
scope="row" \| Venetta Seals \| Tyler Junior College \| politician and businesswoman \| {{cite web\|url=http://www.pecostx.gov/government/mayor-and-city-council/mayor-venetta-seals \|title=Pecos, TX : Mayor Venetta Seals \|website=Pecos, TX \|date=September 20, 2011 \|access-date=}}
scope="row" \| Gerald Steichen \| Oklahoma City University \| music conductor, pianist and stage actor \|
scope="row" \| Dan Stoenescu \| College of Alameda \| Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist \| {{cite news \|date=April 2, 2001 \|title=COA student named to All-California Academic Team \|url=http://209.129.196.100/college-pubs/coa-today-4201.pdf \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529232509/http://209.129.196.100/college-pubs/coa-today-4201.pdf \|archive-date=May 29, 2011 \|access-date=December 8, 2008 \|website=College of Alameda}}
scope="row" \| Bill Sinkin \| San Antonio College \| community activist and founder/chairman of Solar San Antonio \| {{cite web\|url=https://txarchives.org/utsa/finding_aids/00041.xml \|title=A Guide to the William and Fay Sinkin Papers, 1920-2014 \|website=Texas Archival Resources Online}}
scope="row" \| Sela Ward \| Meridian Community College \| actress \|
scope="row" \| Steven Whitehurst \| South Suburban College \| author, poet, and educator \|
scope="row" \| Trisha Yearwood \| Young Harris College \| singer and author \|

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ Selected notable members of Phi Theta Kappa

!scope="col"| Member

!scope="col"| Chapter

!scope="col"| Notability

!scope="col" class="unsortable"| References

scope="row" | Oula A. Alrifai

| University of Maryland

| Syrian writer

| {{Cite web|url=https://cmes.fas.harvard.edu/news/congratulations-cmes-graduates-2018-19|title=Oula A. Alrifai|website=cmes.fas.harvard.edu|language=en|access-date=}}

scope="row" | Hamza Arsbi

| Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Programs

| social entrepreneur

| {{Cite web|title=YES Alum Hamza Arsbi Receives the AMENDS Fellowship|url=https://www.yesprograms.org/stories/yes-alum-hamza-arsbi-receives-amends-fellowship|access-date= |website=YES Programs|language=en}}

scope="row" | Carol M. Browner

| University of Florida

| lawyer, environmentalist, and businesswoman

| {{cite web |title=Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society: Reynolds Community College PTK Induction Ceremony program for Fall 2020 |date=November 2, 2020 |url=https://issuu.com/reynoldscommunitycollege/docs/induction_20program_20web |publisher=reynoldscommunitycollege |via=issuu |page=5 |access-date=October 9, 2024}}

scope="row" | Anne Carlsen

| University of Minnesota

| special educator

| {{cite web |title=Anne Carlsen Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame 1988 Inductee |url=https://hostfest.com/2020/10/20/anne-carlsen/ |website=Norsk Hostfest |date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=}}

scope="row" | Thomas Matthew Crooks

| Community College of Allegheny County

| attempted assassin of Donald Trump

| {{cite web |title=Thomas Matthew Crooks Member of College's Honors Society ... Set to Transfer to 4-Year |url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/18/thomas-matthew-crooks-honors-society-college-set-transfer-university/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=TMZ|date=July 18, 2024 }}{{cite web |title=Thomas Matthew Crooks Honors Society Member on Paper ... But Unknown To Members |url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/19/thomas-matthew-crooks-not-active-honor-society-phi-theta-kappa-unknown/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=TMZ|date=July 19, 2024 }}

scope="row" | Linda Dominguez

| Nassau Community College

| Nigerian publisher, public relations officer and tourism promoter

| {{Cite web |last=Preye |first=Campbell |date=23 January 2022 |title=Linda Enakeme Ofukeme Dominguez: The Voyage of a Change Agent |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/01/23/linda-enakeme-ofukeme-dominguez-the-voyage-of-a-change-agent/ |website=P.M. News}}

scope="row" | Christopher G. Donovan

| Capitol Community College

| politician

| {{Cite web |title=CONTENTdm |url=https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p128501coll2/id/318001/%5B%5D%5B%5D |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=cslib.contentdm.oclc.org}}

scope="row" | Sylvia Earle

| St. Petersburg College

| oceanographer, explorer and diver

| {{cite web |title=Prestigious Recognition |url=https://www.ptk.org/benefits/prestigious-recognition/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=Phi Theta Kappa}}

scope="row" | Evan Edinger

| Salem Community College

| YouTuber

| {{cite web |title=Evan Edinger |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanedinger/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210205082605/https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanedinger/?originalSubdomain=uk%23 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=LinkedIn}}

scope="row" | Alexander Gamelin

| Michigan State University

| ice dancer

| {{cite web|author1=American School |title=American School Holds 76th Annual Scholarship Meeting |url=http://www.americanschoolofcorr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014-July-August-newsletter-revised.pdf |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203152709/http://www.americanschoolofcorr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014-July-August-newsletter-revised.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2015 |pages=4 |date=August 2014 |url-status=live}}

scope="row" | Alberto Gutman

| University of Miami

| politician

scope="row" | Fred Haise

| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

| NASA astronaut

| {{cite web |title=Astronaut Bio: Fred Haise |website=NASA |date=January 1996 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/haise_fred.pdf |access-date= |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630212624/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/haise_fred.pdf |url-status=live}}

scope="row" | Max Hechtman

| Fashion Institute of Technology

| filmmaker, video editor and videographer

| {{cite web |title=Max Hechtman |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhechtman/ |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=LinkedIn}}

scope="row" | Rich Karlgaard

| Stanford University

| journalist and author

scope="row" | Jeane Kirkpatrick

| Stephens College

| diplomat and political scientist

scope="row" | Jim Lehrer

| Victoria College

| journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright

scope="row" | Carolyne Mas

| Cochise College

| singer-songwriter and performer

| {{Cite web |title=Carol Mas Phi Theta Kappa certificate |url=http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg |access-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428035436/http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |website=Carolyne Mas|via=Wayback Machine}}

scope="row" | Doug Mastriano

| Mercer County Community College

| politician

| {{cite news |date=June 23, 1983 |title=Local happenings: Douglas V. Mastriano |url=https://www.digifind-it.com/hightstown/data/gazette/1983/1983-06-23.pdf |work=The Hightstown Gazette |location=Hightstown, New Jersey |at=p. 1, col. 4 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322140638/https://www.digifind-it.com/hightstown/data/gazette/1983/1983-06-23.pdf |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |date=May 12, 1983 |title=Area Students Inducted Into National Honor Societies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73959475/area-students/ |work=Messenger-Press |location=Allentown, New Jersey |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}}

scope="row" | Wes Moore

| Valley Forge Military Academy and College

| politician, businessman, author, and veteran

| {{cite news |last=Trent |first=Sydney |title=Wes Moore tried to run away from military school. It changed his life instead. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/11/02/wes-moore-military-school-valley-forge/ |access-date= |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 2, 2022}}

scope="row" | Francine Irving Neff

| University of New Mexico

| 35th treasurer of the United States

scope="row" | Mirta Ojito

| Florida Atlantic University

| author and journalist

scope="row" | Modupe Ozolua

| Southwestern College

| Lebanese-Nigerian-American philanthropist and entrepreneur

| {{Cite news|url=http://businessradiox.com/podcast/atlanta-business-radio/princess-modupe-ozolua-empower-54-sean-henry-founderceo-stord-tony-sakich-director-marketing-augur/|title=Princess Modupe Ozolua with Empower 54, Sean Henry Founder/CEO of Stord and Tony Sakich Director of Marketing for Augur|work=Business RadioX|access-date=9 July 2018}}

scope="row" | Ross Perot

| Texarkana College

| businessman, politician and philanthropist

scope="row" | William L. Roper

| University of Alabama

| physician and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

scope="row" | Walter Rundell Jr.

| Lee College

| author, academic, and historian

| {{Cite news|date=March 11, 1984|title=Rundell Collection Ceremonies Announced|pages=1|work=The Baytown Sun (Baytown, TX)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96425980/walter-rundell-jr-collection/|access-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

scope="row" | Venetta Seals

| Tyler Junior College

| politician and businesswoman

| {{cite web|url=http://www.pecostx.gov/government/mayor-and-city-council/mayor-venetta-seals |title=Pecos, TX : Mayor Venetta Seals |website=Pecos, TX |date=September 20, 2011 |access-date=}}

scope="row" | Gerald Steichen

| Oklahoma City University

| music conductor, pianist and stage actor

scope="row" | Dan Stoenescu

| College of Alameda

| Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist

| {{cite news |date=April 2, 2001 |title=COA student named to All-California Academic Team |url=http://209.129.196.100/college-pubs/coa-today-4201.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529232509/http://209.129.196.100/college-pubs/coa-today-4201.pdf |archive-date=May 29, 2011 |access-date=December 8, 2008 |website=College of Alameda}}

scope="row" | Bill Sinkin

| San Antonio College

| community activist and founder/chairman of Solar San Antonio

| {{cite web|url=https://txarchives.org/utsa/finding_aids/00041.xml |title=A Guide to the William and Fay Sinkin Papers, 1920-2014 |website=Texas Archival Resources Online}}

scope="row" | Sela Ward

| Meridian Community College

| actress

scope="row" | Steven Whitehurst

| South Suburban College

| author, poet, and educator

scope="row" | Trisha Yearwood

| Young Harris College

| singer and author

Controversies and member misconduct

In 2024, Phi Theta Kappa entered into two lawsuits over false advertising, attempted monopoly, and trade dress.{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2024 |title=Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Sues Las Vegas Company for Trademark Infringement |url=https://www.ptk.org/2022/04/21/phi-theta-kappa-sues-las-vegas-company-for-trademark-infringement/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=PTK |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Honor Society® Sues Phi Theta Kappa Over Deceptive Practices and Attempted Monopoly |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honor-society-sues-phi-theta-kappa-over-deceptive-practices-and-attempted-monopoly-302141209.html |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=PR Newswire |language=en-US}} Honor Society sued PTK, claiming it misrepresents its membership criteria and potentially deceives students into joining under false pretenses, by falsely asserting that it is limited to the top ten percent of students. PTK filed a lawsuit against the Honor Society, alleging trademark infringement and the use of similar visual elements and marketing materials, namely blue and gold colors, gold stoles, and the usage of wreaths.{{Cite web |title=Phi Theta Kappa Trademark Suit Greenlit Against HonorSociety.Org |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/phi-theta-kappa-trademark-suit-greenlit-against-honorsociety-org |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=Bloomberg Law |language=en-US}}

In February 2024, Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement of public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter.{{Cite web |title=Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement |url=https://www2.osa.ms.gov/news/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-for-embezzlement/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Mississippi Office of the State Auditor |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=William |title=Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement |url=https://www.djournal.com/news/crime-law-enforcement/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-charged-with-embezzlement/article_2a6ff5e0-c9e9-11ee-bd6c-fbf7a4489dc9.html |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sethanie |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Former Mississippi community college honor society advisor charged with embezzlement |url=https://www.wjtv.com/news/state/former-mississippi-community-college-honor-society-advisor-charged-with-embezzlement/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=WJTV |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Honor society advisor at Mississippi community college arrested for embezzlement |url=https://www.wlbt.com/2024/02/12/honor-society-advisor-mississippi-community-college-arrested-embezzlement/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=WLBT |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}} Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023.{{Cite web |last=Carlisle |first=Zac |title=Former honors society advisor at ICC charged with embezzlement |url=https://www.wtva.com/news/local/former-honors-society-advisor-at-icc-charged-with-embezzlement/article_297fce7a-c9f4-11ee-b785-2b855f889e23.html |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=WTVA |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=J.T. |title=Former honor society advisor at Itawamba Community College arrested for embezzlement |url=https://www.supertalk.fm/former-honor-society-advisor-at-itawamba-community-college-arrested-for-embezzlement/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=SuperTalk Mississippi |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement |url=https://vicksburgnews.com/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-for-embezzlement/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Vicksburg Daily News |date=February 13, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Joey |title=Former ICC honor society advisor faces embezzlement charge |url=https://www.wcbi.com/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-faces-embezzlement-charge/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=WCBI |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=February 13, 2024 |title=Former Itawamba Community College Honor Society Advisor Arrested for Embezzlement |url=https://www.starherald.net/press-releases/former-itawamba-community-college-honor-society-advisor-arrested-embezzlement |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=The Star-Herald |language=en-US}}

In 2015, national PTK president Rod Risley took a paid leave of absence following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers.{{Cite web |last=Priest |first=Jessica |date=April 4, 2015 |title=Victoria woman claims sexual harassment in honor society |url=https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/education/victoria-woman-claims-sexual-harassment-in-honor-society/article_3e4587c6-c7e0-506d-a840-83a157110f11.html |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=The Victoria Advocate |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Maller |first=Max |date=April 8, 2015 |title=Phi Theta Kappa director faces harassment allegations |url=https://www.theskylineview.com/news/state-news/2015/04/08/phi-theta-kappa-director-faces-harassment-allegations/ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=The Skyline View |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ashley A. |date=March 31, 2015 |title=Honor Society Director Faces Allegations |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/03/31/students-accuse-director-community-college-honor-society-sexual-harassment |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en-US}} These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation.{{Cite web |last=Fain |first=Paul |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Phi Theta Kappa's Board on Harassment Allegations |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/04/10/phi-theta-kappas-board-harassment-allegations |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors Responds To Allegations |url=http://www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411044115/http://www.ptk.org/news/board-of-directors-responds-to-allegations |archive-date=April 11, 2015 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |via=Internet Archive}}{{Cite web |title=Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Provides New Statement |url=https://www.ptk.org/news/phi-theta-kappa-board-of-directors-provides-new-statement |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418014557/https://www.ptk.org/news/phi-theta-kappa-board-of-directors-provides-new-statement |archive-date=April 18, 2015 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Phi Theta Kappa |via=Internet Archive}} Risley announced his retirement, leading to the termination of the inquiry and his receipt of a multi-million dollar retirement package.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ashley A. |date=July 13, 2015 |title=Honor Society Leader Steps Down |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/07/14/phi-theta-kappa-honor-society-director-retires |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Royals |first=Kate |date=July 14, 2015 |title=Honor society director retires amid sexual harassment allegations |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/07/14/phi-theta-kappa-rod-risley/30142377/ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=The Clarion-Ledger |language=en-US}}

In 2025, PTK sought an injunction against Toni Marek, a former employee who wrote a book critical of the organization.{{cite news|url=https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/community_news/former-vc-student-s-book-raises-concerns-about-honor-society-s-operations/article_6d87342e-7d3f-4d36-b28e-deb6c986246f.html|title=Former VC student's book raises concerns about honor society's operations|author=Michael Milliorn|date=Mar 23, 2025|publisher=Victoria Advocate|accessdate=2025-04-04}} The district court of Victoria County granted a temporary restraining order preventing publication of the book on March 26, 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.andthenshespokeup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ptk-book-gag-order-victoria-tx.pdf|date=March 26, 2025|accessdate=2025-04-04|title=Temporary Restraining Order Against Defendant Toni Marek and Order Setting Hearing for Temporary Injunction}}

References

External links

[https://www.ptk.org/ Phi Theta Kappa Website]

Category:Two-year college honor societies

Category:Student societies in the United States

Category:Student organizations established in 1918

Category:1918 establishments in Missouri

Category:Honor societies