Finding her place in academia: ACTC professor reflects on her journey from student to faculty

Published on Oct 20, 2026

More than three decades after helping establish Ashland Community and Technical College’s (ACTC) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society chapter, Professor Laura Tussey reflects on how the experience helped her see herself as an academic and encourages today's students to find their own place in their college journey.

Professor Laura Tussey began her educational journey at ACTC as a new mother, taking just one class at a time. Without role models in academia, she did not initially picture herself transferring to a four-year institution, earning a master's degree, and eventually becoming a college professor at the same place where her educational journey began.

Today, Tussey is a Professor of English and Humanities of Appalachia at ACTC and serves as coordinator of the college's Appalachian Studies certificate.

“Like so many new parents, I came to college because I wanted a better life for my daughter, and I was starving for company and ideas,” Tussey said. “I had always thought of college as unattainable…somewhere that people with money sent their kids, and I had no idea how to apply or what I needed to do to ‘belong,’ but I knew I wanted something more. The hardest obstacles are often in one's mind.”

Tussey's involvement in academics began to blossom after she joined Phi Theta Kappa, becoming one of 30 charter members who established an ACTC chapter in 1994 — a chapter that remains active more than three decades later. 

Phi Theta Kappa didn't simply recognize Tussey's academic achievement; it helped her recognize that potential within herself.

Through PTK, she participated in fundraising, chapter meetings, and opportunities for community service. More importantly, she found herself surrounded by other students who valued academics. That sense of community and belonging helped Tussey begin to envision herself as an academic and inspired her to continue her education beyond ACTC.

Tussey says being a member of PTK offered her a built-in support system that helped her succeed in college.

“PTK was the bridge that brought me to the understanding that I, too, could be an intellectual,” Tussey said. “My first semester at ACC, I took one class and earned an ‘A.’ By the third semester, I became a charter member of PTK and found myself surrounded by dynamic, like-minded people. After that, it was like I was driven to make the grade and to see how many A grades I could earn.”

Tussey continued, “Many times, our students, me included, are pulled back from our studies by cultural influences that value body-service over academics. PTK fortified and supported me when I needed it most, and those connections were so impactful.”

Tussey's positive experience with Phi Theta Kappa would later influence the opportunities she helped create for other ACTC students. 

As a faculty member, she helped establish Sigma Kappa Delta, the English honor society for two-year colleges, at ACTC. Open to eligible students beyond English majors, the organization provides opportunities to engage in activities such as literature discussions, creative writing, and book drives.

Tussey's journey came full circle from a student who found confidence and belonging through an academic honor society to a professor helping create that same sense of academic community for a new generation of students. 

She encourages eligible ACTC students to consider the lasting impact that Phi Theta Kappa membership can have on their college experience and beyond.

“Take the opportunity to join Phi Theta Kappa,” she said. “You may discover that you belong in places you never imagined for yourself.”

For students considering whether to accept their invitation, Tussey's journey demonstrates how becoming involved can mean much more than adding an honor society membership to a résumé. More than 30 years after becoming one of ACTC's first PTK members, the academic community Tussey found through the organization continues to influence the opportunities she creates for students today.

ACTC's Phi Theta Kappa chapter is currently welcoming a new generation of students as part of its Fall 2026 membership drive. Invitations are being sent to students who have earned a cumulative 3.25 GPA and completed at least 18 credit hours of college-level coursework at the 100 level or above. Eligible students may join PTK at any time while they are currently enrolled at ACTC and continue to meet the chapter's GPA requirements.

For more information on PTK, contact Janet.Thompson@kctcs.edu.

 

Written by: Janet Thompson, Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Omega Gamma chapter advisor