Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, welcomed two new club sponsors at Seward County Community College. Norma Jean Dodge, Director of Business & Industry, and communications instructor Amy Thompson shared their hopes for the group, which encourages service and excellence in students.
Q: What motivated you to sponsor Phi Theta Kappa?
NJD: I wanted to support students in their academic and leadership experience while at SCCC. Plus, Phi Theta Kappa offers students an opportunity to building meaningful connections through conferences, online trainings, and scholarship programs.
AT: Some think that attending a community college is the easy way out and I want to make sure that our students know that is not the case. I want to honor their hard work academically.
“We have a fall induction ceremony on Tuesday, November 19. It would be POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE to see all our faculty and staff in the audience showing their support. ”
Norma Jean Dodge, PTK Co-Sponsor
Q: In your own life as a student, how did public recognition or honors impact you?
NJD: Provided confidence and affirmation for my hard work. Plus, it has opened opportunities through scholarships and networking connections. Being recognized for doing something difficult makes it easier to take on other challenges that come my way.
AT: Recognition showed value in my hard work and achievements. I also liked to use it as an opportunity to thank those that helped me get where I was and where I was going – my family, friends, faculty.
Q: What are your goals for PTK at SCCC? How do you want campus to be changed by this honor society?
NJD: Initially, my goal is to build awareness about PTK and increase membership. I want PTK to be at the forefront of SCCC when it comes to promoting academic success, leadership, and service opportunities. When others see all that PTK accomplishes, other groups and organization will be more willing to take initiative to facilitate positive change on campus.
AT: I am excited to let our top academic students see where they can go and how they can get there – community service, networking, scholarships, leadership, professionalism, speaking opportunities, sharing skills and talents. I hope that seeing these students bring leadership options to our campus will bring others a sense that their work at school has value, regardless of what they study.
“Some think that attending a community college is the easy way out and I want to make sure that our students know that is not the case. I want to honor their hard work academically. ”
Amy Thompson, PTK Co-Sponsor
Q: When you encourage students to apply/join, what is the most convincing reason you offer?
NJD: The online and in-person training opportunities and scholarships available.
AT: I think for many students the number one reason is scholarships. And that is of course important. The internships and leadership trainings offered through PTK International are significant and not things that we can offer on our own. I don’t think anyone is going to be convinced by hearing they can learn Robert’s Rules of Order, but that is a byproduct of building professional leadership skills. Leadership isn’t always easy.
Q: Favorite PTK moment (so far)?
NJD: Working with Amy and meeting the current PTK members.
AT: We’ve only had one meeting and it is always a joy to be with our students and see them excited about the possibilities ahead. Norma Jean is a great co-advisor. This is going to be fun.
Q: How can fellow faculty and staff support PTK?
NJD: Faculty and staff can talk to students to about all that PTK can offer and encourage them to join and to participate in the PTK conference and leadership programs. We have a Fall induction ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 19. It would be POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE to see all our faculty and staff in the audience showing their support.
Also, PTK is a service-oriented club. Please send Amy and me your ideas for ways we can demonstrate servant leadership at SCCC.
Categories: Academic Affairs, Awards & Honors, Student Success
Leave a Reply