The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees was recognized with the prestigious 2020 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Board of Trustees Excellence Award. The distinction celebrates community college Boards of Trustees for their leadership and outstanding commitment to student success. Only four Boards nationwide were selected for this honor.
“As a Board, we remain committed to removing financial barriers and providing resources for our students,” Gigi Edwards Bryant, ACC board chair. “I am so proud to be part of a Board that takes care of our students. Every opportunity we can provide makes a difference in their lives.”
Students of ACC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter nominated the board for its work toward promoting student success. The board approved funding for students, faculty, and staff to travel for leadership and professional development. Trustees also routinely participated in campus organization events, inductions, and service projects to support student efforts.
“An engaged and student-focused Board of Trustees is vital to the student success efforts of the entire institution,” PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “We commend the ACC Board of Trustees for their high commitment to the education and service initiatives shown to increase student completion and employment outcomes.”
The award was presented during the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) annual Leadership Congress in October. PTK is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations. PTK was founded on a commitment to provide enrichment in four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
The Alpha Gamma Pi chapter of PTK at ACC began in 1977. The chapter provides activities to connect members with scholarship, service, and leadership development opportunities.
"PTK sets students up for success," sayd Mary Kohls, ACC PTK faculty advisor. "Approximately 92 percent of PTK members at ACC graduate and move on to very successful careers. We've had a lot of inspiration from our Trustees and are grateful for their ongoing support."
For more information about the ACC program, visit austincc.edu/ptk.