Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an international honor society that recognizes and encourages academic achievement among students attending two-year colleges. It provides opportunities for its members to develop as scholars and leaders.

History

Phi Theta Kappa traces its origins to 1910 with the establishment of Kappa Phi Omicron, an honorary society formed at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, a women’s college affiliated with the Methodist Church. This society, originally chartered with only six members, was one of several similar groups in Missouri at the time.

In 1918, the presidents of eight Missouri junior colleges for women convened at Stephens College to create a unified honor society. They founded Phi Theta Kappa, modeling it after the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society for senior colleges. The foundational group included college presidents John W. Million, James Madison Wood, Luella St. Clair, John L. Roemer, Virginia Alice Cottey, Henry K. Stout, Dr. Joseph A. Serena, and Zachariah M. Williams. The society was formally established with a shared mission to honor scholarship at two-year colleges.

In 1923, the official Phi Theta Kappa song was adopted, submitted by the Epsilon Chapter at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. Since then, the organization has grown to serve community college students worldwide.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement among two-year college students while providing members with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The society fosters leadership skills, scholarship, and service among its members.

Organizational Impact

Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the leading honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizing academic excellence and offering pathways for transfer to four-year institutions, scholarships, and leadership development programs.

Legacy

Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has maintained a legacy of excellence and commitment to fostering academic achievement among community college students. Its foundation on collaboration and scholarship continues to guide its growth and the development of its members[1][2][3].