Somerset, KY– – The Omicron Zeta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international academic honor society for two-year colleges, is growing at Somerset Community College.
A total of 81 students have joined so far in the fall 2025 semester, bringing the total chapter membership to 360. The chapter, established in 1966, has a long and proud history at Somerset Community College with over 3,000 alumni members. Twenty-six of those new members were able to participate in and be recognized during PTK’s biannual induction ceremony on October 21, hosted by Somerset Community College at the Laurel County Public Library.
To become eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA – a “B” average – after completing twelve or more credit hours of college-level courses.
The list of PTK members who participated shown in the group photo are:
From left to right: Front Row Tiffany Longmire (Whitley City), Anthony Jones (London), Sheena King (Whitley City), Joy Manning (London), Elijah Shumate (Corbin), Lauren Schooley (London), Danyiel Scott (London), Second row: Kimberly Hudson (Williamsburg), Patrick Hollan (London), Trisha Hinkle (London), Maverick Ford (Monticello), Lucas Epperson (London), Lyla Durham (London), Taylor Mincey (Corbin), Janie Cox (Williamsburg), Austin Brown (Corbin), Back row: Jaylee Roy (Russell Springs), Makayla Rose (Hazard), Melanie Phillips (Whitley City), Kaylee Oakes (Somerset), Sarah New (Science Hill), Veranna Robinson (Somerset), Hunter Urann (Pioneer, TN), Carrie Showalter (Waynesburg), Samara Smith (Somerset).
Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and largest honor society of its kind. It recognizes outstanding student scholars and provides them with opportunities to develop their academic potential, gain leadership experience, and connect with fellow community college scholars around the region, country, and world.
“This year we have two outstanding student leaders, Kaley Walker and Emily Cole, leading the chapter in campus wide projects,” PTK advisor Dr. Amanda Waterstrat said. “Students who connect with the campus community learn so much about themselves and grow as students and leaders.”
For more information about Phi Theta Kappa, students can contact any of the Omicron Zeta chapter advisors: Dr. Amanda Waterstrat (amanda.waterstrat@kctcs.edu), Dr. Melissa Adams (melissa.adams@kctcs.edu), Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow (johnna.atkinson-bigelow@kctcs.edu), Dr. Korey Bruck (korey.bruck@kctcs.edu), Marilyn Crabtree (marilyn.carbtree@kctcs.edu), Dr. Melanie Hines (melanie.hines@kctcs.edu), and Kim Toby (kimberly.toby@kctcs.edu).
