ECC Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Excel at Heartland Regional Convention

Students and advisors from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at East Central College were recognized for their hard work and dedication at a regional convention where they received chapter and individual awards. The Chi Delta PTK Chapter at the Union campus and the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter at ECC in Rolla earned “5-Star Status” with recognition as Five Star Chapter programs during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan.

The annual convention provided a platform for members to learn about Phi Theta Kappa programs, hear from esteemed guest speakers, and delve into the new Honors Study Topic, “The Power of Stories,” said Kevin Dixon, Union PTK advisor.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

Throughout 2023, both chapters dedicated themselves to activities aligned with these core hallmarks. Members engaged in comprehensive research on the previous Honors in Action topic, “The Art and Science of Play,” and undertook a community service project.

Additionally, they collaborated with college leadership to design and execute a College Project aimed at directly benefiting ECC students. In mid-January, after meticulous preparation during the semester and holiday break, the chapters submitted their Hallmark Awards applications.

With 64 chapters in the Heartland Region, spanning Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, the competition was formidable. Alongside nominations for officer and member awards, chapters had the opportunity to submit various art and media items for recognition.

Union Chapter

The Union Chi Delta Chapter earned first-place honors for their College Project Award and a second-place Distinguished Chapter award for the Heartland Region. The Chapter received an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award.

Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place.

The East Central College Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta PTK Chapter was recognized as a Five Star Chapter program during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan. The Chapter also earned first-place honors for their College Project Award, the second-place Distinguished Chapter award, and Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award. Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place. Front row, from left to right: Ethan Sandstrom, Katelyn Rice, Dr. Wendy Pecka (advisor), Melanie Dixon (advisor), and Kylie Napier. Back row, from left to right: Elijah Long, Taylor Rowald, Maria Guevara, Nicholas Rucker, and Kevin Dixon (advisor).

Rolla Chapter

Beta Omicron Phi chapter advisor Dr. Elizabeth Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program.

Individual awards were presented to members Justin Heberlie: Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks: Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.

“Congratulations go to the students who put in so much time and dedication to prepare these award applications, and a big thank you goes to my fellow advisors for all the work they’ve done on behalf of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” Dixon commented.

In addition to Kevin Dixon, Wendy Pecka and Melanie Dixon advise the Union Chi Delta Chapter.

To be eligible for PTK, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit East Central College Student Activities.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema (advisor), Mae May, and Justin Heberlie, members of the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. During the Heartland Regional Convention, Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program. Individual awards were presented to member Justin Heberlie for Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks for Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.