(Clarksdale, Mississippi) -- The Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society proudly represented Coahoma Community College at CATALYST 2025, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri. This annual event is the premier gathering of PTK’s most outstanding student members, advisors, and college leaders from around the world.
PTK CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner described Catalyst not just as a convention, but “a celebration of student achievement – and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when colleges invest in student success.” She emphasized that the event honors excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship by bringing together PTK’s most engaged members and visionary leaders.
For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Valmadge Towner and the TIGER Nation have made a significant investment in supporting the Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter’s participation at Catalyst. This year, however, was truly historic. For the first time ever, the chapter represented the Northern Region on stage. Cimmion Ross, MS/LA Regional Officer, proudly carried the flag during the Parade of Flags in the opening ceremony. Gregory Neely III was honored with the Distinguished Chapter Member Award, receiving a medallion and walking the Catalyst runway to accept this prestigious recognition. Coahoma’s own Dr. Larry Webster was also celebrated as a Distinguished College Administrator, recognizing his impactful leadership and support.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Coahoma Community College ranked among the top 100 PTK chapters worldwide, out of 1,244 total. The chapter also received two major 2025 Hallmark Awards: Distinguished Chapter Award and Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award. These accomplishments were the realization of a bold vision cast by PTK President Fred Dumas at last year’s Catalyst. In 2024, he declared, “Next year, we’re going to be on stage receiving awards”—a promise fulfilled through unwavering leadership and collective effort.
The following PTK officers and members participated in educational forums, flash forums, and college fairs throughout the conference: Fred Dumas, Cimmion Ross, Jamari Gladney, Jordyn Johnson, Selina Clay, Ashton Harris, and Gregory Neely III. New members and officers in attendance included Adrianna Dawson, Darron Griffin, and Mar’Tia Crawford.
The Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter extends heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Cynthia Roberson, CCC Director of Research, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives, for her instrumental role in the Honors in Action Project. Her guidance continues to strengthen the chapter’s research and writing skills. We also deeply appreciate Drs. Ryan and Terri Ruckel, PTK MS/LA Regional Directors, for their ongoing support in helping elevate our chapter to 5-star status in the Mississippi/Louisiana Region.
Students interested in joining Phi Theta Kappa or learning more about the Alpha Omicron Pi Chapter at Coahoma Community College are encouraged to contact Mrs. Monica Tompkins at 662-621-4671 or Mr. JoHarrison Rockett at 662-621-4211 for more information.