PTK Induction Ceremony

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa held its fall 2022 induction ceremony. This event, which took place in the Pinnacle, honored 25 inductees of the honor society.

Established on the Coahoma Community College (CCC) campus in the fall of 1988, PTK has been active for nearly 30 years on this very college campus. With 1,350 chapters at two-year colleges worldwide, PTK is the largest honor society in higher education. Phi Theta Kappa aims to recognize and encourage scholarships among two-year college students.

Amarian Phillips, the CCC PTK chapter president, expressed how being a part of this honor society is a privilege and honor while congratulating the new inductees.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society ceremony came after recognizing individuals who had 15 semester hours at Coahoma, a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and unblemished conduct and character. 

Dr. Ouida McAfee, director of the Center for Excellence in Teach and Learning, served as the speaker for this joyous occasion.

McAfee is a Stuttgart, Arkansas, native that has been in the education field for years. McAfee has an outstanding educational background with a bachelor's in Public Relations Journalism from Arkansas State University, a Master of Science in Education from LeMoyne-Owen College, and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University. She also holds many certifications.

She shared with the inductees how much of an accomplishment they have produced for today's society of scholars.

"You have changed the trajectory of the next generation for someone's family who might not even know you. Because you decided to be academic leaders, you decided to serve as an example for the improvement of the lives of others, intentionally or unintentionally," said Dr. McAfee.

She continued her speech by asking the scholars questions. "Do leaders ever follow? Are leaders ever followers? Will everyone you lead like you? Will you like everyone you lead? Must you be perfect to lead? Do you know a perfect leader," said McAfee. "What is characteristic of the leader that you want to become? What do you say to yourself daily? Do you have any affirmations? Are you following a guide for your life?"

She concluded her speech by encouraging the scholars to stay humble and be kind.

"Phi Theta Kappa scholars, be confident in what you know and who you are. Do not despise humble beginnings. When you are in meetings around the country or the world, and someone asks if you went to school in Mississippi, tell them yes, because if they are standing near you, they are standing in the shadow of greatness," McAfee exclaimed!

As students crossed the stage to receive their candles, rose, and certificate as a part of the ceremony, they also sang the Phi Theta Kappa official song.

Concluding the ceremony, Jerone Shaw, Chief of Staff, shared a few remarks and recognitions to many key Coahoma Community College members and congratulated the new inductees.

To see more information about Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at CCC, please visit: https://www.coahomacc.edu/ptk/