OSU Institute of Technology President Bill R. Path was recently honored with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction. The award is given to college presidents who have shown strong support of student success on their campus.
The Shirley B. Gordon Award is PTK’s most prestigious award for community college presidents. Dr. Path will be recognized along with 18 additional community college presidents during the PTK Catalyst 2019, the Society’s annual convention, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.
“I don’t know that I’ve done anything to deserve the award,” said Dr. Path. “I have always been supportive of Phi Theta Kappa and what they do for the campus and community. This is such a good group of young people. Most are not just involved with Phi Theta Kappa but also five or six more clubs, maintain straight A’s and have families.”
Dr. Path said that he has always been a supporter of PTK and will continue to do so, regardless of any awards won. He said receiving word that he had won came out of the blue. “I had no idea that I had even been nominated for this award.”
Recipients of the award are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once over the course of their career. Rebekah Boudreaux, PTK advisor Danny Hayes, PTK president, nominated Dr. Path for the award without his knowledge.
“Dr. Path deserved this award because of everything he has done for PTK,” said Boudreaux. “Over the past couple of years, he has really supported Phi Theta Kappa, it was time that we honored him for it.”
Each year the OSUIT Beta Alpha Alpha chapter speaks with Dr. path about a college project and he helps provide a topic for the chapter to follow through with.
“I’m continually impressed with what they do to help the underprivileged, provide unity in the community and provide better accessibility for those to attend OSUIT,” said Dr. Path.
According to Phi Theta Kappa, 91 percent of Phi Theta Kappa members will complete an associate degree or transfer to a four-year college, compared to 38 percent of students nationally. PTK members also have access to nearly $90 million in scholarships, gain leadership experience and learn essential workplace skills employers seek.
The Beta Alpha Alpha chapter has also been recently recognized with several awards.
They received the outstanding REACH reward for one of the highest acceptance rates for 2018, 18.2 percent. This achievement is met by achieving or exceeding 15 percent membership acceptance. As a reward for reaching this achievement, the chapter will receive five free graduation stoles as well as REACH Chapter Ribbons for all who attend the PTK Catalyst 2019.
During the recent Regional Meeting, held at Northeastern State University, the chapter received four awards including, Most Distinguished Chapter Activity Poster, Second Place Chapter Project Poster, Honors in Action Certificate of Merit and Five Star Chapter Achievement.
OSUIT is proud to be hosting the next regional meeting on campus in Fall 2019. This will be first time hosting the regional meeting for the Oklahoma/Arkansas regional conference. The event will bring over 150 students to campus from the region.
“We’re really excited to bring attention to the OSUIT campus and what we offer,” said Dr. Path. “When most people hear our name, they don’t think about us as a two-year or community college. Hosting regionals gives us a chance to educate others about OSUIT.”