Somerset, KY– Somerset Community College (SCC) proudly hosted the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Kentucky Region Convention last weekend, welcoming students, faculty, and staff from across the state to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and service.
SCC’s Omicron Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was supported by a team of seven advisors: Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow, Dr. Melissa Adams, Dr. Korey Bruck, Marilyn Crabtree, Dr. Melanie Hines, Kimberly Toby, and Dr. Amanda Waterstrat.
The advisors worked closely with a team of student officers to execute annual projects, host campus events, and raise funds to support student activities. This year, they also collaborated to host the annual PTK Kentucky Region Convention, which rotates among colleges within KCTCS with active PTK chapters, on the Somerset campus of SCC.
Themed “The Power of Stories,” this year’s convention featured a keynote address by Dr. Ryan Quarles, President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Dr. Quarles, a dedicated advocate for education and community development, inspired attendees with his insights on leadership and the transformative power of storytelling.
Quarles emphasized the vital role faculty and staff play in mentoring students.
“I would not be where I am today without the fantastic faculty and staff who supported me,” Quarles stated, expressing gratitude to the students for investing in their education at KCTCS. He emphasized that education is a lifelong journey, sharing insights from historical figures along with his own experiences and encouraged students to “celebrate and learn from failures,” stressing that “grit matters” as a crucial component of success.
Quarles reminded students that their educational journey not only improves their own lives and those of their families but also serves to inspire others. Finally, he urged students to “embrace it,” highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.
Approximately 60 participants from eight Kentucky community colleges attended the event, including representatives from Ashland Community and Technical College, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Henderson Community College, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Owensboro Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.
The convention highlighted student achievement and innovation through a Student Project Showcase, where attendees presented research, service initiatives, and leadership projects conducted throughout 2024. The event also included an award ceremony recognizing excellence in teamwork, leadership, service projects, and research-based initiatives.
Transfer partners from Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University helped sponsor the event. Both institutions offer transfer support and exclusive scholarships for PTK members at KCTCS Colleges.
Korey Bruck, Director of the Transfer Center at the University Center of Southern Kentucky, highlighted the importance of the partnerships between KCTCS and SCC with various universities. These collaborations create pathways for students to further their success.
“Transfer agreements enhance workforce development and economic growth by facilitating the seamless transfer of credits between KCTCS and our four-year partners. They break down barriers for students, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams without overwhelming debt, ultimately driving innovation and prosperity in our communities.”
Dr. Amanda Waterstrat, PTK Regional Coordinator for Kentucky and PTK Advisor at SCC, reflected on the event held at SCC.
“We were thrilled to bring together Phi Theta Kappa scholars from across Kentucky to share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and engage in meaningful discussions about leadership and service,” Waterstrat said. “This convention was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, learn, and be inspired by one another.”
