SSC chapter takes home international advisor award, regional awards

(North Canton, OH – March 8, 2022) – Stark State College President Para M. Jones, PhD, is among 13 college presidents in the nation being recognized by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction.

The award recognizes college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.

College presidents and CEOs are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once over the course of their career. These 13 recipients were selected from among 617 college presidents eligible to receive this award.

“These college presidents have made it a priority to keep students engaged throughout the pandemic,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “Their nomination is evidence of the gratitude their PTK students feel.”

Phi Theta Kappa’s most prestigious award for community college presidents is named in honor of the late Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, Phi Theta Kappa’s longest-serving Board of Directors chair and a founder and long-time president of Highline Community College in Washington.

Jones will receive the award at PTK Catalyst 2022, the Society’s annual convention in Denver, April 7-9.
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Also, Stark State’s Beta Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and its advisor continued a tradition of receiving Ohio region and other awards:

• International Hallmark Award, Distinguished Advisor Award – Shari Brooks
• Dr. Mary Navarro Most Distinguished Advisor Award – Shari Brooks
• Ohio Region Distinguished Presidents Award – Dr. Para Jones
• Five-Star Chapter Award – 18^th year in a row
• Catch a Shining Star Award – for their project “Food Insecurity Awareness During COVID”
• Honors in Action Project Theme Award: “Resistance – Reform, Rebellion, Revolution”
• Cindy L. Carbone Scholarship – Ella George, $500

Ohio Region 35^th Anniversary Lapel Pin Design Contest – Joshua Crewes, $100