The W welcomes Phi Theta Kappa members from Mississippi, Louisiana
COLUMBUS, Miss.– Mississippi University for Women will welcome more than 100 community college students, mostly from Mississippi, and their faculty mentors for the Phi Theta Kappa Mississippi/Louisiana Regional Honors Institute June 13-15.
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Institute introduces student leaders to the current topic for PTK research and service projects.
“We have gained so much through our partnership with PTK chapters at community colleges around the state and region, and we are thrilled to host the PTK Regional Honors Institute this year. Fostering conversation between these students, their community college faculty, The W’s faculty, and a host of other educators and guides throughout the Columbus community is very gratifying as we all explore the power of story together,” said Dr. Kim Whitehead, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and director of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College.
“The W has the best people. The excitement for hosting our Regional Honors Institute is contagious. Our advisers and students can’t wait to experience all the beauty and history of The W and Columbus,” said Dr. Ryan Ruckel, coordinator of the Mississippi/Louisiana Region of Phi Theta Kappa.
On Thursday, June 13, The W will kick off with chapter check-in from 3 to 4:45 pm in the Summer Hall Lobby. The first general session will begin at 5 p.m. in the Pope Banquet Room, featuring a welcome from Dr. Scott Tollison, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, and opening remarks from Ruckel. Dinner will be served at 5:15 pm, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session at 6 p.m. with W faculty members. The evening will conclude with small group sessions at 8 p.m. in Fant Memorial Library.
Activities will continue Friday, June 14, with a college fair at the Culinary Arts Institute at 9 a.m. Small group discussions will commence at 11 a.m. in the Culinary Arts Building, followed by an Edible Plant Trail Tour at 11:45 a.m. The day will conclude at 6:30 p.m. in the Pope Banquet Room, including dinner and a speaker session with Chuck Yarborough from The Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, June 15, General Session will be held at East Mississippi Community College – Communiversity.
Phi Theta Kappa is made up of more than 4.2 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.