Gordon State College’s Pi Eta Chapter Of Phi Theta Kappa Awarded 2022 REACH Reward

PTK is an international honor society that promotes student success for the highest achieving students at two-year degree granting institutions. Students participate in professional development activities to help them succeed as a whole person in college and thereafter. At GSC, students have participated in service projects, fundraisers, undergraduate research symposiums and more.

“The tradition and quality associated with Phi Theta Kappa is one of the key reasons our chapter, Pi Eta, was established. I’m thrilled for the continued development, contribution, and success of its members,” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, GSC president.

Reach Rewards program recognizes and rewards PTK chapters that excel in membership development. The program was created because the honor society strongly believes in the mission of PTK and aims to gain as many students as possible to receive the benefits of membership including scholarships and increased opportunities for engagement with peers and faculty on campus, which lead to higher rates of completion.

“This society has given me many opportunities to grow and develop as a leader, communicator, scholar, and innovator by working with like-minded individuals in my chapter through problem-solving, accommodating others, learning to be a team player, serving throughout the community and much more,” said Amber Fraley, GSC Pi Eta secretary. “The most rewarding benefit from this organization is that with everything I learn, I can teach to family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and others to build a better loving and progressive community of individuals. This recent recognition and reward of the Phi Theta Kappa REACH Award is an honor for this chapter and brings excitement and joy for all members."

According to PTK.org, 91 percent of PTK members will complete an associate degree or transfer to a four-year college, compared to 31 percent of students nationally. Members have access to millions of dollars in scholarships, $1 million in competitive scholarships through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and more than $246 million in transfer scholarships to over 850 four-year colleges.

Amaya Kendall, GSC Pi Eta treasurer said the society allowed her to step out of her comfort zone.

"The biggest take away I've had from being in Phi Theta Kappa for the past couple years is learning leadership and career training. It has allowed me to take on roles that are typically out of my comfort zone, but can be beneficial in the job market. This society truly provides so many opportunities for students to elevate their potential!” Kendall said.

Through exclusive PTK Edge curricula, members learn how to navigate the often-tricky transfer process, build essential soft skills, and develop expertise to help them find employment. Members also have free access to PTK’s custom leadership program which uses open sources to guide the development of personal leadership philosophies. These courses are free, online, self-paced and offered exclusively to PTK members.

“Phi Theta Kappa will take you to that next level by opening doors, resources, it connects people, and continues long after graduation to create those needed connections that will take your career dream higher,” said Robin Bellard, GSC Pi Eta vice president.

Ms. Angiah Davis, director of library services serves as the advisor for Pi Eta chapter of PTK. Officers include Jolee Benton, president; Bellard, vice president; Fraley, secretary; and Kendall, treasurer.

“I’m thrilled that PTK has achieved another award. It’s evident that our members are dedicated scholars and leaders,” Davis said.

The Pi Eta chapter of PTK was first chartered in 1967. The PTK celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. There are more than 3.5 million members worldwide.

Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers 11 four-year degrees and 16 associate-level degrees, which includes multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.