ACTC hosts regional convention for honors organization

April 11, 2023

ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College recently hosted the Phi Theta Kappa Kentucky Region Spring Convention. The conference was held on March 31 and April 1 on ACTC’s Technology Drive Campus.  

The theme was “Playful Art for the Soul,” tying into PTK’s current Honors in Action research project theme of “The Art and Science of Play.”

City of Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins attended the opening ceremony to award the current PTK-KY Regional Coordinator Dr. Amanda Waterstrat the key to the city. 

The conference’s keynote speaker was retired ACTC Criminal Justice program coordinator Bev Sharp. Other workshops included creative writing, painting, team building, and international travel along with updates from PTK Representative Dr. Susan Edwards and an awards ceremony. 

During the awards ceremony, ACTC PTK advisors Dan Bailey, Janet Thompson, and Dr. Cindy Shelton all received the Horizon Advising Award.  

The Horizon Award recognizes new advisors who participate in regional and international programs and recognizes more experienced advisors who have attained new levels of achievement in Phi Theta Kappa program.

ACTC’s chapter of PTK additionally received the following awards: 

•                  Distinguished Chapter, 2nd in region Alpha Omega Gamma

•                  Five Star Chapter status, Alpha Omega Gamma

•                  Honors in Action Project Award 2nd Runner Up 

•                  Distinguished Chapter Officer First Runner Up, Ashley Casey (nursing student at ACTC)

•                  College Project Award 1st Runner Up 

•                  Distinguished Chapter Officer Honorable Mention to Blessing Eleazu (nursing student at ACTC)

•                  Distinguished Chapter Member, Linda Williams (Medical Information Technology graduate)

•                  Continued Excellence for Advisors award to Dan Bailey.

“ACTC was incredibly honored to host the recent PTK-KY Region Spring Convention,” said Janet Thompson, advisor.  “We enjoyed meeting with fellow PTK students and advisors across the state for a fun-filled weekend of learning and celebrations of accomplishments from our sister chapters.  One of the many perks of being a member of Phi Theta Kappa is there is plenty of fun events and projects to get involved with.” 

The event also included a transfer fair with representatives from Morehead State University, Southern New Hampshire University, Marshall University, Shawnee State University, Berea College, Ohio University Southern, Georgetown College, Western Governors University, Eastern Kentucky University, Franklin University, Murray State University, Chamberlain University, and Walden University in attendance.

ACTC’s PTK chapter will have their next spring induction ceremony on Friday, April 28.