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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.
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. Phi Theta Kappa now celebrates its "Founder's Day" on November 19 each year.
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In 1930, Margaret Mosal was elected as the first National President of Phi Theta Kappa.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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<ref>{{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}}</ref>


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 AACC Hall of Fame in 2008.
⚫
Today, the society's headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 4.3 million members.

⚫
Today, the society's headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 3.5 million members.


== Symbols ==
== Symbols ==
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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 <nowiki>''Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship''</nowiki>.
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 <nowiki>''Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship''</nowiki>.

== Lawsuit ==
Phi Theta Kappa is currently in a lawsuit over [[false advertising]]<ref>{{Cite web |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}}</ref>, attempted [[monopoly]], and [[trade dress]]<ref>{{Cite web |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>. PTK allegedly misrepresents its membership criteria, falsely asserting that it is limited to the top 10% of students, thus potentially deceiving students into joining under false pretenses. PTK filed a lawsuit against 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. This occurred despite the prevalence of blue and gold colors and stoles in honor societies such as [[Phi Beta Kappa]], [[Phi Kappa Phi]], [[Golden Key International Honour Society]] and many others. Additionally, wreaths have been a symbol of achievement dating back to [[Ancient Greece]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Perishable Crowns |url=https://www.vision.org/perishable-crowns |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=Vision.org |language=en-US}}</ref>. The resolution of these lawsuits could significantly impact the operations and reputations of both organizations.


== Activities ==
== Activities ==
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== Membership ==
== Membership ==
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation.<ref name="ptk-constitution" /><ref name="ptk-dues" /> 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 3.0 [[grade point average]] (GPA) according to the society bylaws.<ref name="ptk-constitution">{{cite web |title=Constitution & Bylaws |url=https://www.ptk.org/policies/constitution-bylaws/#Membership |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=April 16, 2024}}</ref> Members are required to pay a membership fee.<ref name="ptk-dues">{{cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://www.ptk.org/join/faqs/ |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref>
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation.<ref name="ptk-constitution" /><ref name="ptk-dues" /> 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 3.0 [[grade point average]] (GPA) according to the society bylaws.<ref name="ptk-constitution">{{cite web |title=Constitution & Bylaws |url=https://www.ptk.org/policies/constitution-bylaws/#Membership |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=April 16, 2024}}</ref> Members are required to pay a membership fee.<ref name="ptk-dues">{{cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://www.ptk.org/join/faqs/ |website=Phi Theta Kappa |access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref>

== Leadership misconduct ==
Rod Risley's tenure as national president was overshadowed by serious allegations and further controversy regarding his retirement compensation.<ref>{{Cite web |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=insidehighered.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{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=ptk.org |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> Following claims of [[sexual harassment]], [[intimidation]], and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers, Risley took a paid leave of absence.<ref>{{Cite web |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=victoriaadvocate.com |date=April 4, 2015 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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=theskylineview.com |language=en-US}}</ref> These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |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=insidehighered.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{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=ptk.org |via=Internet Archive}}</ref>Risley announced his retirement, leading to the premature termination of the inquiry.<ref>{{Cite web |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=insidehighered.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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=clarionledger.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, his abrupt retirement was marked by a multi-million dollar compensation package, which cast further doubt on the legitimacy and governance practices of Phi Theta Kappa. This decision left the allegations unresolved and raised significant concerns about accountability and transparency within Phi Theta Kappa. Risley's departure from the organization thus remains marred by these unresolved accusations and the substantial retirement payout, casting a shadow on his legacy and impacting the integrity of Phi Theta Kappa's leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former MGCCC administrator named CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society |url=https://www.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/02/long_beach_native_named_ceo_of.html |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=gulflive.com |date=February 5, 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The society has experienced [[embezzlement]].<ref>{{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.com |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at [[Itawamba Community College]], was charged with embezzlement in February 2024.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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=djournal.com |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Lowe is accused of converting public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter for her own personal use. Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023. <ref>{{Cite web |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.com |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |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.fm |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{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=vicksburgnews.com |date=February 13, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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.com |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Former ICC honor society advisor charged with embezzlement |url=https://news.yahoo.com/former-icc-honor-society-advisor-045900065.html |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Yahoo News |date=February 14, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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=starherald.net |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notable members ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Member
!Chapter
!Notability
!References
|-
|[[Thomas Matthew Crooks]]
|[[Community College of Allegheny County]]
|[[Donald Trump]] Attempted Assassin
|<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS HONOR 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}}</ref>
|-
|[[Evan Edinger]]
|[[Salem Community College]]
|YouTuber
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Evan Edinger {{!}} LinkedIn |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}}</ref>
|-
|[[Carolyne Mas]]
|[[Cochise College]]
|singer-songwriter and performer
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-28 |title=Carol Mas Phi Theta Kappa certificate |url=http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg |access-date=2024-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428035436/http://www.carolynemas.com/images/ptk2small_resized.jpg |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |via=Wayback Machine}}</ref>
|-
|[[Dan Stoenescu]]
|[[College of Alameda]]<ref name="COA Today">{{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 |publisher=[[College of Alameda]]}}</ref>
|Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist
|<ref name="COA Today" />
|}


== Chapters ==
== Chapters ==

Revision as of 23:24, 22 July 2024

Phi Theta Kappa
ΦΘΚ
FoundedNovember 19, 1918; 106 years ago (November 19, 1918)
Stephens College
TypeHonorary
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
Emphasis2-yr schools
ScopeInternational
PillarsScholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship'
Colors  Blue and   Gold
SymbolGolden key, Athena, oak leaves, laurel leaves
FlowerWhite rose
Patron Greek divinityAthena
Chapters1,244
Members3.5 million+ lifetime
Headquarters1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
United States
WebsiteOfficial website

Phi Theta Kappa (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 11 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.

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.[1] 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[2]

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 AACC Hall of Fame in 2008.

Today, the society's headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 3.5 million members.

Symbols

Phi Theta Kappa acknowledges that it copied its name after Phi Beta Kappa[3], 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''.

Lawsuit

Phi Theta Kappa is currently in a lawsuit over false advertising[4], attempted monopoly, and trade dress[5][6]. PTK allegedly misrepresents its membership criteria, falsely asserting that it is limited to the top 10% of students, thus potentially deceiving students into joining under false pretenses. PTK filed a lawsuit against 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. This occurred despite the prevalence of blue and gold colors and stoles in honor societies such as Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honour Society and many others. Additionally, wreaths have been a symbol of achievement dating back to Ancient Greece[7]. The resolution of these lawsuits could significantly impact the operations and reputations of both organizations.

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.[8][9][10] 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.[11][12][13][14] PTK also offers an online program to help students develop job skills.

Membership

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation.[15][16] 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 3.0 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws.[15] Members are required to pay a membership fee.[16]

Leadership misconduct

Rod Risley's tenure as national president was overshadowed by serious allegations and further controversy regarding his retirement compensation.[17][18] Following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers, Risley took a paid leave of absence.[19][20] These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation.[21][22]Risley announced his retirement, leading to the premature termination of the inquiry.[23][24] Additionally, his abrupt retirement was marked by a multi-million dollar compensation package, which cast further doubt on the legitimacy and governance practices of Phi Theta Kappa. This decision left the allegations unresolved and raised significant concerns about accountability and transparency within Phi Theta Kappa. Risley's departure from the organization thus remains marred by these unresolved accusations and the substantial retirement payout, casting a shadow on his legacy and impacting the integrity of Phi Theta Kappa's leadership.[25]

The society has experienced embezzlement.[26] Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement in February 2024.[27][28][29] Lowe is accused of converting public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter for her own personal use. Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023. [30] [31][32][33][34][35]

Notable members

Member Chapter Notability References
Thomas Matthew Crooks Community College of Allegheny County Donald Trump Attempted Assassin [36][37]
Evan Edinger Salem Community College YouTuber [38]
Carolyne Mas Cochise College singer-songwriter and performer [39]
Dan Stoenescu College of Alameda[40] Romanian diplomat, political scientist, and journalist [40]

Chapters

Main article: List of Phi Theta Kappa chapters

Phi Theta Kappa has nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Founded by feisty females, PTK Honor Society continues to serve Craig and Rangely". craigdailypress.com. February 19, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Visionary 2008" (PDF). ptk.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "About PTK". PTK. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  4. ^ "Honor Society® Sues Phi Theta Kappa Over Deceptive Practices and Attempted Monopoly". PR Newswire. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  5. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Sues Las Vegas Company for Trademark Infringement". PTK. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  6. ^ "Phi Theta Kappa Trademark Suit Greenlit Against HonorSociety.Org". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  7. ^ "Perishable Crowns". Vision.org. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  8. ^ "PTK Student Receives Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship". Quinsigamund Community College. April 26, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  9. ^ "Twenty Bright Stars: This Year's All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Recipients Named". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
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