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October 2, 2017 - Panola College recognized the fall 2017 inductees for the Pi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in a ceremony at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28. The ceremony was held in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Student Center.
Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, congratulated the honorees and shared with them the four hallmarks of PTK: scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service.
“The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement of college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Phi Theta Kappa has a rigorous academic requirement for admission and continued membership,” he said.
Dr. Adams left the oil and gas industry after 20 years to begin a career in academia. He said he had experienced all forms of higher education, starting out as a first generation student in traditional classroom settings, moving to online and hybrid courses, and completing his doctorate as a non-traditional student.
He encouraged the students to maintain their efforts in scholarship by holding onto the character and qualities of a scholar, and to seek out leadership opportunities to hone their capacity to lead.
“I get to work every morning at 6:30, and I spend the first hour reading three things. I read a chapter in the Bible, the Community College Daily, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Whatever field you are in, read something about it each day. Be flexible, focused and have a vision for your life,” he said.
Dr. Adams said the students should seek out opportunities for fellowship through networking, and to find ways to serve others.
“Problems are really opportunities, and there are no coincidences…God has a plan for your life,” he said.
Professor Sandra Bauer led the Panola Pipers in the singing of two songs, including the anthem for Phi Theta Kappa.
Professors Emily Zabcik, Tonya Fotinos and Roberta Collinsworth sponsor the PTK chapter at Panola College.
“This fall we are pleased to have a mother-daughter duo in PTK: Kelli and Tina Sandidge, and nine dual credit students from Beckville High School,” Zabcik noted.
New inductees who participated in the ceremony include Kimberly Baker of Longview, Lilia Benitez of Longview, Jackson Blair of Beckville, Dena Bradley of Marshall, Brandon Castillo of Carthage, Mary Chance of Carthage, Ethan Collins of Beckville, Shawn Cooks-Jones of Jefferson, Ashlyn Edge of Garrison, Sarah Funderburk of Carthage, Kimberley Hanna of Carthage, Kaylee Hull of Carthage, Hannah Humphries of Carthage, Jonathan Jenkins of Center, Baley McGuire of Beckville, Riley Seegers of Beckville, Ahna Stacy of Carthage, Brandi Tillman of Beckville, and Jordan Tondreau of Carthage.
New inductees who were unable to attend include Megan Dunn of Center, Israel Keshinro of Carthage, Nathanael Longacre of Marshall, Leah Montandon of Hallsville, Kelli Sandidge of Carthage, Tina Sandidge of Carthage, Emmalee Tomaszewski of Center and Brady Wells of Center.
