ACTC’s Ferguson and Klinepeter recognized with Phi Theta Kappa awards

Published on Apr 8, 2025

Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) is proud to announce that Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC CEO/President, and Pam Klinepeter, Director of Library Services, have been selected to receive Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) awards for 2025.

Ferguson has received the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the highest honor for community college presidents. Klinepeter was named a Distinguished College Administrator, an award recognizing leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to student success.

Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges since 1918, recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders.

The Alpha Omega Gamma Chapter is based at ACTC, where both Ferguson and Klinepeter have taken an active role in supporting the leadership development of students involved in Phi Theta Kappa.

“The success of our Phi Theta Kappa chapter would not be possible without the incredible support of our college leadership,” said Janet Thompson, PTK advisor at ACTC. “Dr. Ferguson and Professor Klinepeter have been outstanding collaborators, playing key roles in several of our chapter’s initiatives and events. Their commitment has helped create meaningful and transformative experiences for our students.”

Thompson added that under their guidance the PTK chapter at ACTC continues to thrive and make a lasting impact. 

“I am extremely honored to be awarded Phi Theta Kappa’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction,” Ferguson said. “ACTC has a long-distinguished history of working with Phi Theta Kappa to support student success, leadership development, and academic achievement. Educate with excellence is truly our mission.”

The Distinguished Administrator Award recognizes Klinepeter for her outstanding support of student success.

“I always enjoy working with our local PTK chapter as they research their annual Honors in Action projects,” said Klinepeter. “I’m incredibly grateful that they chose to promote our ACTC Library LibGuides as part of their Honors in Action project this past year. This recognition means a lot to me, and I look forward to working with PTK on future research projects.”

Recipients were honored and awards were presented during Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention that took place in Kansas City, Missouri from April 3-5.