ұ president Dr. Kimberly Britt will receive the Paragon Award when the society of community college honor students – Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) – recognizes 28 college presidents across the United States at the society’s annual convention in April.
To be eligible for the award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than 3 years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once. The 28 recipients were selected from among 406 college presidents, chancellors, and CEOs eligible to receive the Paragon Award.
Zack Knapp, PTK member, said her nomination was a "no-brainer." He acknowledged Dr. Britt and ұ's administrative team as a boon to PTK. "We simply had to tell the truth about Dr. Britt's dedication to facilitating student's growth."
“Based on how regularly Dr. Britt works to improve the quality of education for students, it is clear that she is aiming to inspire students as a whole to improve themselves and their communities. It is clear that Dr. Britt wants only the best for the scholars of tomorrow, and through her collaborative efforts, hopes to take them to newer heights that they may have never reached alone,” said Zach, in the nomination submission.
Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, said “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them.”
2023 PTK Paragon Award recipients
Dr. Vincent Bowhay, Independence Community College, Kansas
Dr. Kimberly Britt, ұ, Arizona
Olivier Charles, Bishop State Community College, Alabama
Dr. Ronnie (Scott) Cook, Dyersburg State Community College, Tennessee
Dr. Lisa Dresdner, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Connecticut
Dr. Theresa Felder, Harford Community College, Maryland
Dr. Felicia Ganther, Bucks County Community College, Pennsylvania
Dr. Michael Gavin, Delta College, Michigan
Dr. John Hartog, Northwest Iowa Community College, Iowa
Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Community College, Alabama
Tim Hood, Mid-Michigan College, Michigan
Dr. David Johnson, Merritt College, California
Dr. Brian Kelly, Clinton Community College, Iowa
Dr. Justin Lonon, Dallas College – Eastfield & Brookhaven Campuses, Texas
Dr. Daniel Lopez, Harold Washington College, Illinois
Ms. Kim Lopez, Cañada College, California
Dr. Daniel Lufkin, Tarrant County College, Texas
Dr. Jennifer Methvin, Arkansas State University – Beebe Campus, Arkansas
Dr. Paige Niehaus, Hillsborough Community College – Dale Mabry Campus, Florida
Dr. Kathleen Plinske, Valencia College – Osceola Campus, Florida
Dr. Steve Robinson, Lansing Community College, Michigan
Dr. Greg Schulz, Citrus College, California
Dr. Vincent Solis, Brazosport College, Texas
Dr. Howard Spearman, Rock Valley College, Illinois
Dr. Stephen Vacik, Hinds Community College, Mississippi
Dr. Christopher Villa, Skagit Valley College, Washington
Dr. Jermaine Whirl, Augusta Technical College, Georgia
Ms. Lisa Willenberg, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, Arkansas
“I'm genuinely touched by this award, as it comes from our students," Dr. Britt said when she heard the news. Dr. Britt will attend the PTK annual convention in April with PTK advisors Amy MacPherson and Inhye Peterson, and student Zach Knapp, who will be recognized as a member of the All-USA Academic Team. Only 20 students nationwide are selected for this prestigious honor, which includes a $5,000 scholarship and a special medallion. Zach was also named Arizona’s 2023 News Century Transfer Scholar, and will receive an additional $2,250 scholarship.
Read more about the PTK student awards HERE. Read the PTK Paragon Award announcement .