The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society will recognize 28 college presidents nationwide with its Paragon President Award during PTK Catalyst 2023, the Society's annual convention this spring in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Vincent Bowhay, president of Independence Community College, is among the honorees.
To be eligible for the award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role, having served less than three years in their positions. Recipients are nominated by students on their campuses and are only eligible to receive the award once. The 28 recipients were selected from 406 college presidents, chancellors, and CEOs eligible for the award. Bowhay is the only honoree from the state of Kansas.
The award recognizes college leaders who support student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.
"These college presidents have students-first leadership styles and have made it a priority to keep students engaged throughout the pandemic," said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. "This award is special because it comes directly from the students and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them."
Bowhay began serving as president of Independence Community College in 2021.
"I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition," said Bowhay. "However, I am most proud of our students, who continue to work towards achieving their dreams of a college education."
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing students' academic achievement at associate degree-granting colleges, helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The society comprises over 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation's colleges.
To learn more about PTK, go online to ptk.org.