PCCUA Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Earns Prestigious Five-Star Distinction

The Sigma Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas has earned the Five-Star Distinction from PTK national, a recognition that caps years of sustained academic programming, leadership, and service work by a chapter that PCCUA describes as the oldest in Arkansas.

Led by President Wesley Barringer and First Vice President Kumauri W., the chapter represents one of the most established PTK affiliates in the state. PCCUA places the chapter's founding at 1967, while PTK's own chapter page lists 1968; both sources agree the chapter has grown to encompass over 1,584 members and alumni committed, in the organization's words, to "making a lasting impact through leadership, service, and academic excellence."

Membership in Sigma Kappa carries a defined threshold: students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, complete at least 12 transferable college hours, and rank in the top 20 percent of their class to receive an invitation. Nine Helena-area students cleared that bar when advisors Dr. Tarsha Smith and John Thompson led an induction via Zoom, the first time the chapter held its ceremony virtually, a concession to COVID-19 restrictions. That cohort included Crystal Atkinson, Jeffery Atkinson, Orrion Boudinot, Deanna Igou, Jada King, Stephanie Montague, Sky Porter, Laura Reynolds, and Wanda Scott.

Across PCCUA's Arkansas County campuses in Stuttgart and DeWitt, 21 additional students were inducted on April 25, 2022, in an in-person ceremony that drew family members to watch each inductee sign the PTK book, light a candle symbolizing knowledge, and receive a white rose representing purity and the beauty of light. Arkansas County Vice Chancellor Kim Kirby addressed the gathering: "These students have proven that studying hard pays off."

Combined, the two induction events brought at least 30 new members into Sigma Kappa across PCCUA's campuses during that period.

Membership carries tangible financial benefits. According to PTK's chapter page, Sigma Kappa members pursuing a bachelor's degree can access millions of dollars in transfer scholarships through PTK's partnerships with more than 800 four-year colleges and universities. The PTK Foundation has also awarded $4,250 in competitive scholarships in recent years.

Phi Theta Kappa was founded in 1918 and received formal recognition from the American Association of Community Colleges in 1929 as the official honor society for two-year colleges. Its stated mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students while providing opportunities for growth through honors, leadership, and service programming.

Chapter advisors Charlotte Purdy, Tracie Karkur, Thomas Moss, and Rosary Fazende-Jones can be reached at (870) 816-1069, (870) 946-3506 ext. 1834, (870) 995-1019, and (870) 673-4201, respectively. PTK headquarters staff member Ashley Tkach works directly with the Sigma Kappa chapter and is available for prospective members seeking individualized support.