Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (ΦΘΚ or PTK) is an honor society for students of associate degree-granting colleges. Its headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi and it has more than 3.5 million members in nearly 1,244 chapters in ten nations.

History
Phi Theta Kappa originated from Kappa Phi Omicron, an honor society established in 1910 at Stephens College in Missouri, a two-year college for women. As similar honor societies formed in Missouri, the college presidents and students of eight Missouri women's colleges came together in 1918 to create a single honor society—Phi Theta Kappa.

Phi Theta Kappa's mission is to recognize community college students' academic achievement and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Phi Theta Kappa was named after Phi Beta Kappa and modeled after many aspects of the senior college honor society. Its first chapter was chartered at St. Joseph Junior College in Missouri, in 1926. The first chapter chartered outside Missouri was at Northeast Junior College in Oklahoma.

On November 19, 1929, Phi Theta Kappa petitioned the American Association of Junior Colleges (now the American Association of Community Colleges) to be recognized as an official national honor society for junior colleges, alongside Phi Rho Pi and others. While not historically accurate, Phi Theta Kappa now celebrates its "Founder's Day" on November 19 each year.

In 1930, Margaret Mosal was elected as the first National President of Phi Theta Kappa. Mosal oversaw the operations of Phi Theta Kappa from a makeshift office in the back of her husband's hardware store, where she notably stored all of the organization's records in a shoebox. In 1953, she moved the operations of Phi Theta Kappa to her home, underscoring the meager beginnings in the first fifty years of the society

The society's second national president, Rod Risley, first joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student, becoming national president in 1974, and subsequently joined as an employee in 1977. His career culminated in over three decades as executive director and CEO, during which he was recognized in the AACC Hall of Fame in 2008.

Today, the society's headquarters are in Jackson, Mississippi. It has initiated more than 3.5 million members.

Symbols
Phi Theta Kappa acknowledges that it copied its name after Phi Beta Kappa, and it was modeled after many aspects of the senior college honor society. The society adopted blue and gold, the golden key insignia, and modeled the name directly after Phi Beta Kappa. While similar in name, color scheme, and symbols, it is important to note that no formal relationship between the two societies has ever existed.

Members are referred to as "Phi Theta Kappans." The first membership pin was designed in 1921: a blue triangle containing three Greek letters surrounded by pearls. The distinctive gold key membership pin was adopted in 1930 and features a black enamel band upon which the three Greek letters appear. Behind the band is a wreath composed of oak leaves on one side, denoting stability and strength of character, and laurel on the other side, signifying achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light, the light of learning, and knowledge. The colors of the society are blue for scholarship and gold for purity. Its hallmarks or pillars are Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship.

Lawsuit
Phi Theta Kappa is currently in a lawsuit over false advertising, attempted monopoly, and trade dress. PTK allegedly misrepresents its membership criteria, falsely asserting that it is limited to the top 10% of students, thus potentially deceiving students into joining under false pretenses. PTK filed a lawsuit against Honor Society, alleging trademark infringement and the use of similar visual elements and marketing materials, namely blue and gold colors, gold stoles, and the usage of wreaths. This occurred despite the prevalence of blue and gold colors and stoles in honor societies such as Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honour Society and many others. Additionally, wreaths have been a symbol of achievement dating back to Ancient Greece. The resolution of these lawsuits could significantly impact the operations and reputations of both organizations.

Activities
Phi Theta Kappa offers transfer scholarships for its members and scholarships to help members complete associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and to help workforce-bound member pay for certification costs. The society publishes the literary journal Nota Bene, Civic Scholar: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research, and ''Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership. ''  PTK also offers an online program to help students develop job skills.

Membership
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation. Students must complete twelve hours of coursework toward an associate degree, six hours toward a one-year certificate, or twelve hours toward a bachelor's degree and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) according to the society bylaws. Members are required to pay a membership fee.

Leadership misconduct
Rod Risley's tenure as national president was overshadowed by serious allegations and further controversy regarding his retirement compensation. Following claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional behavior from two former student international officers, Risley took a paid leave of absence. These allegations prompted the Phi Theta Kappa board of directors to initiate an investigation. Risley announced his retirement, leading to the premature termination of the inquiry. Additionally, his abrupt retirement was marked by a multi-million dollar compensation package, which cast further doubt on the legitimacy and governance practices of Phi Theta Kappa. This decision left the allegations unresolved and raised significant concerns about accountability and transparency within Phi Theta Kappa. Risley's departure from the organization thus remains marred by these unresolved accusations and the substantial retirement payout, casting a shadow on his legacy and impacting the integrity of Phi Theta Kappa's leadership.

The society has experienced embezzlement. Robin Lowe, a former advisor for the PTK chapter at Itawamba Community College, was charged with embezzlement in February 2024. Lowe is accused of converting public funds meant to benefit the PTK chapter for her own personal use. Lowe was the chapter advisor for Phi Theta Kappa for fifteen years, from 2008 to May of 2023.

Chapters
Phi Theta Kappa has 1,244 chapters in ten nations.