Clark State Phi Theta Kappa earns top honors at Ohio regional convention

The Clark State College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an international honor society, has been named a Five Star Chapter, the highest status a PTK chapter can achieve for demonstrating success in reach, engagement, networking, leading and discovery. The chapter was also recognized as the Most Distinguished Chapter in the Western District, the top honor awarded for exceptional research, action and leadership in chapter projects. Both honors were presented at the 2026 Ohio Region Awards Convention last weekend.

In addition to this top recognition, the chapter ranked sixth among 38 Ohio chapters based on performance in leadership, fellowship, service and transfer readiness. It also received the Reach Chapter Award for excellence in membership growth and earned the Hosting Award for organizing the Spring 2026 Ohio Region Awards Convention.  The chapter’s college project, Reducing Food Insecurity Among College Students, earned first runner-up honors at the regional level. The initiative emphasized strategic collaboration with college leadership to better understand and address student needs, aligning closely with the college’s mission and commitment to student success.

Individual honors went to Jazmin Davila-Lopez, a teacher education student who will graduate in May and Dapca Nehemie Sylvestre, a social services student who won the convention’s Scholar Bowl, a competitive academic trivia event featuring Phi Theta Kappa members from across the region. Sylvestre was also installed as vice president of the Ohio Region and will now serve on the regional officer team that promotes chapter development and collaboration statewide.

Krystal Barnes, a computer and web software development student who will graduate in May, earned the $500 Buckeye Scholarship for her strong community involvement. Brandy Daniels, a psychology major who will also graduate in May, received the $1,000 Dorothy C. Lanier Scholarship for her reflection on leadership and commitment to the values of PTK.

Dawayne Kirkman, Ph.D., senior vice president of student affairs, enrollment and registration, received the Distinguished College Administrator Award which honors community college leaders who demonstrate strong support for Phi Theta Kappa.

Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president, received the Ohio Region College President Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing retiring presidents or CEOs who have made significant contributions to advancing Phi Theta Kappa’s mission. Blondin will also receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award at Catalyst, PTK’s national convention on March 26-28. Named in honor of the late Michael Bennett, longtime president of St. Petersburg College in Florida, the award will recognize Blondin’s efforts that strengthen student college completion, transfer opportunities and future career opportunities while also developing student leaders, including her work to ensure Clark State covers 90 percent of the $85 PTK membership fee, making joining PTK just $8.50 for lifetime access PTK resources focused on personal and professional growth.

“Dr. Blondin and Dr. Kirkman have shown extraordinary commitment to Phi Theta Kappa and to the success of our students,” said Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs and PTK chapter advisor. “Dr. Kirkman’s leadership has supported chapter initiatives and student development, while Dr. Blondin has championed academic excellence and servant leadership ensuring that PTK scholars have support and resources to prepare them for the future and help meet their personal goals. Clark State is lucky to have two leaders who empower PTK scholars to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact on their communities and beyond.”