Phi Theta Kappa, an international academic honor society for two-year colleges, inducted about 170 new members last spring, said OCCC Chapter Adviser Charles W. Myrick. Myrick is professor of business and economics. He said members are invited from all college majors.

Those members are now eligible to take part in club activities this fall.

Myrick said in order to qualify for membership, students must have above a 3.5 grade point average, have completed at least 12 college hours and have OCCC classes.

PTK Vice President Shelby Crees said there are multiple benefits for students who participate. The photography major said it’s worth the $75 fee required to become a lifetime member.

“… Phi Theta Kappans have a better chance in receiving scholarships than non members,” Crees said.

“We are the largest international honor society and being a member is a good thing to have on any resume or application.”

PTK President Brenton Conrad said participation is important. “The more you put into being active, the more you get out of it.”

He said there are résumé and portfolio building exercises, general life skills exercises, and multiple scholarship opportunities, including transfer scholarships.

“When graduating, you get to have a stamp on your diploma and wear the Phi Theta Kappa attire when walking across the stage,” Conrad said.

“Phi Theta Kappa is for me an achievement, not only in academics but also in responsibility.”

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 by two-year college presidents in Missouri, Myrick said. The organization has members in all 50 states of the U.S. and other countries.

“OCCC has the largest chapter in the Oklahoma and Arkansas region,” Myrick said.

Myrick said he has been a part of Phi Theta Kappa for more than two decades. He was a student member before becoming a sponsor.

“I’ve been a sponsor for nine years,” Myrick said. “I was a sponsor at Dyersburg State Community College in Dyersburg, Tenn., for five years before coming to OCCC.”

He said becoming a sponsor has been rewarding.

“I just like seeing the growth of students and helping out in my community.”

The four hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa are scholarship, service, leadership, and fellowship, Myrick said. For more information, email cmyrick@occc.edu.