News and Updates

SGSC’s Dr. Greg Tanner Receives the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for New Presidents

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) awarded South Georgia State College Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner with the Paragon Award for New Presidents. Dr. Tanner was honored during PTK Catalyst 2025, the Society’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5, 2025.

Dr. Tanner was one of 25 college presidents nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year. To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than three years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once.

“At SGSC, PTK provides an opportunity for students to be recognized for their academic achievements while providing ways for them to grow in the four pillars of the organization – Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship,” said Amy Hancock, SGSC PTK advisor. “Dr. Tanner has always been supportive of the honor society and to the success of all students at the college. We congratulate Dr. Tanner on receiving this award. It is well deserved.”

The award recognizes college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.

“These new college presidents have demonstrated, right from the start, that student success is at the heart of their leadership,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the students, reflecting their appreciation for leaders who prioritize their growth and achievement.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing students’ academic achievement at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The society comprises more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.