PTK chapter earns Five Star status for 21st straight year
For the 21st year in a row, Beta Theta Rho, the Randolph Community College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has achieved the prestigious Five Star Chapter designation. This recognition represents the highest level attainable for chapters, acknowledging their fulfillment of all requirements set forth by PTK. Additionally, it highlights its members’ exceptional dedication to surpassing expectations in their projects and service endeavors, both within the College and the wider community.
“This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and academic excellence exhibited by our students,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Phi Theta Kappa represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and community service, and our chapter's consistent recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our students to both scholastic excellence and civic engagement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Phi Theta Kappa members, advisors, and supporters for their outstanding contributions to our college community and beyond.”
Beta Theta Rho also won several awards at the Carolinas Regional Convention, held at Davidson-Davie Community College on March 8-9. The awards were based on various projects completed by the chapter’s members and led by the 2023 Officer Team — Brock Dunlap (President), Jaiden Williams (Vice President), Ashton Johnson (Secretary), Jonathan Lopez-Bautista (Public Relations Officer), and Trenten Armentrout (Treasurer).
“Our chapter is fortunate to have had past advisors and student officers who helped us to reach the Five Star level 21 years ago; and over the past 21 years, our advisors and officers have worked very hard to maintain this level of distinction and excellence for our chapter and college,” said Clark Adams, RCC English/Communication Instructor and PTK Advisor.
The chapter received the following awards:
- International Level: Five Star Chapter (21st consecutive year for the chapter with only 15 of 58 community colleges in N.C. receiving the honor for 2023),
- Carolinas Region Service Project Award: 5K Run the Jake (5K to raise funds for veterans),
- Carolinas Region Honors in Action Project Award: Game Day for Residents at Mountain Top Apartments,
- International Level: Distinguished Chapter Officer Team (Trenten Armentrout, Brock Dunlap, Ashton Johnson, Jonathan Lopez Bautista, Jaiden Williams),
- International Level: Ashton Johnson — Transfer Edge, Jonathan Lopez Bautista — Employment Edge, Sofia Tinoco-Leon — Transfer Edge, Jaiden Williams — Competitive Edge,
- REACH Award for Membership Acceptance Rate: (eighth consecutive year).
Throughout 2023, chapter members and officers assisted the College in a landscaping project on the Asheboro Campus, collaborated with college staff to organize a Mental Health Awareness Week with various events such as guest speakers and a Mental Health Resources Fair, collaborated with the administration at Faith Christian School in Ramseur, and organized an Artisan/Crafters Day event for Faith Christian School High School students, which consisted of representatives from various career fields that involved artistry and craftsmanship. Phi Theta Kappa officers and advisors also attended the PTK Carolinas Regional Convention in Columbia, South Carolina in March 2023, and the PTK Carolinas Region Honors Institute at North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount in July 2023.
Established by junior college presidents and students in Missouri in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the oldest and largest international honor society serving two-year institutions. It recognizes the academic achievement and integrity of students enrolled in curriculum programs. Students who are invited to join PTK must have completed 12 credit hours and must possess a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. RCC’s chapter was chartered Nov. 1, 1999.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.