News and Updates

Carson Named To Phi Theta Kappa Presidential Advisory Board

By: Amy Hancock
External Affairs Coordinator

South Georgia State College President Dr. Virginia Carson was among 33 college presidents appointed to a new Presidential Advisory Board for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The Presidential Advisory Board will provide input into the organization’s strategic plan, priorities and direction.

Dr. Carson has been a strong supporter of Phi Theta Kappa at South Georgia State College. With her encouragement, the chapters at the Douglas Campus and Waycross Campus have both received five star rankings, the highest level of achievement for chapter development, as well as numerous regional awards for chapter projects. She also was the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction for college presidents in 2013.

“The members of the Advisory Board will serve to strengthen the relationship between the Society and the colleges to an even greater degree. Our mission of student success at the local level directly aligns with that of Phi Theta Kappa,” Dr. Carson said. “With the strong emphasis on student achievement throughout the country, we will see firsthand the positive impact of this partnership. I consider it an honor to be selected for the Advisory Board and look forward to the collaboration that will take place as we work to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.”

According to Phi Theta Kappa, Advisory Board members will advocate for Phi Theta Kappa, its members and its mission; serve as liaisons between Phi Theta Kappa headquarters and the college leaders in their states; and advise Phi Theta Kappa’s Executive Director and other senior leaders.

“Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has positioned itself to be of great importance and significance in the lives of students,” said Phi Theta Kappa Interim Executive Director Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “As Phi Theta Kappa approaches its centennial anniversary, we are constantly seeking to strengthen our mission — recognizing and supporting student success.” 

Tincher-Ladner explained that beyond recognition and celebration of individual academic achievement, Phi Theta Kappa serves as a pathway to student success and completion. The Society accomplishes these results by providing scholarships and opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

“This work would not be possible without the contributions and support of community college leaders like these college presidents,” Tincher-Ladner said.

The first meeting of the Phi Theta Kappa Advisory Board was held in November at the Center for Excellence in Jackson, Miss. The agenda included discussions on international education, membership opportunities and student success.

Dr. Jerrold Green, executive director of the Pacific Council on International Policy and a Middle East expert, opened the meeting with discussion of the opportunities available to community colleges by the internationalization of education skills and offerings worldwide.

The Advisory Board members spent time learning more about the strategic plan in place for Phi Theta Kappa and their role in assisting the organization to reach goals of student recognition and success.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in American higher education with 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, eight sovereign nations and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.