News

The NEO Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Mu Chapter attended the PTK Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention in early March and was named a Regional Distinguished Chapter and Five-Star Chapter. PTK is the oldest international two-year college honor society globally, with NEO’s Mu Chapter being the first established outside of the state of Missouri and the second-oldest continually operating chapter in the world. Established on the four hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship, PTK provides opportunities for student growth through participation in specialized programming. “These opportunities translate into student success,” said Chapter Sponsor and NEO History Instructor LaShawna Powers. “A recent study of Phi Theta Kappa members shows that members have an overall student success rate of 91 percent, compared to a national success rate of just 38 percent.” Five-Star status is awarded based on chapter activities at the campus, community, and regional level. In 2019-2020, NEO PTK hosted conducted several of these activities, including A.L.I.C.E. Active Shooter training sessions, which was recognized as a Top-Five College Project.

In addition, Mu Chapter’s research into opioid addiction and methadone treatment in Ottawa County won an Award of Distinction for its theme and was named the overall Distinguished Honors in Action Project for the Region. The Mu Chapter officer team of Emma Lawson, Trinity Pruitt, Ashley Gonzalez, Charlcie Gatewood, Anna Turner, and Alex Miers, also earned a Certificate of Merit for their outstanding work. Mu Chapter will soon participate in the PTK International Convention, which will take place as a virtual event on April 16-17. For More information on the Mu Chapter of PTK, contact Powers at Lashawna.powers@neo.edu (Photo: Trinity Pruitt, vice president of scholarship, and Emma Lawson, Mu Chapter President, display certificates and awards won by NEO PTK)