On October 22, the historic Gillioz Theatre provided the backdrop for the induction of Ozarks Tech students into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

PTK is an international honor society committed to recognizing the academic achievements of college students and providing opportunities for its members to improve their academic and leadership skills. PTK also provides members with career training, transfer preparation, leadership training, professional development, research skills and health care employment preparation.

 Alpha Psi Tau, the Ozarks Tech chapter of PTK, was established at the college in the 1990s and now boasts more than 1,000 student members. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 hours of coursework toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, or six hours toward a one-year certificate, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

At Ozarks Tech, PTK members are dedicated to serving their communities and enriching the lives of their members and others through service. As part of the hallmarks of the society, which include service and scholarship, each year PTK students participate in a research and college project. This year, for their Honors in Action project, Ozarks Tech students helped develop marketing materials for CC Smart – a national campaign aimed at promoting community colleges as a top education option for launching lucrative careers. In addition, members conducted research centered on the importance of play in childhood growth and development. As a result, they identified and purchased more than $2,000 worth of learning and development toys for local schools.  

“We are very thankful to have this chapter at Ozarks Tech and each year we look forward to the induction ceremony because it is an opportunity to recognize what these students have already accomplished and what they will accomplish in the future,” said Todd Yerby, Ozarks Tech honors program director and Phi Theta Kappa advisor.

In addition to the induction of new members, this year’s ceremony also included a special performance by the Ozarks Tech Jazz Band and remarks by guest speaker Ashley Rowan, Alpha Psi Tau alumna and assistant director of the Ozarks Tech Tutoring and Learning Center.

During her speech, Rowan recounted how PTK guided her path and how one of her proudest moments was when she was inducted as a member.

“At that moment I rediscovered a spark,” Rowan said. “I suddenly found myself surrounded by like-minded students who were brilliant, driven and involved. To those of you being inducted here tonight, you have achieved something extraordinary through hard work and intentional choices. I don’t know what the future holds for you, but as a staff member at Ozarks Tech and a fellow Phi Theta Kappa member, I can’t wait to see the paths you choose to take.”

For more information about PTK at Ozarks Tech, visit https://students.otc.edu/ptk/