Alpha Mu Chi, Northeast Texas Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa set a new chapter record at the recent Texas Regional Convention held in Fort Worth, coming away with 38 awards.
The chapter was especially delighted to see Dr. Kevin Rose inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for College Presidents and Dr. Anna Ingram inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for Outstanding Administrators.
"The unwavering support of our college administration empowers our students to aim higher, and it was truly rewarding to see Dr. Rose and Dr. Ingram honored for their exemplary leadership,“ shared Dr. Melissa Fulgham. “This year, we didn't just meet our ambitious goals, we surpassed them by setting a new record. For a rural chapter to distinguish itself on a state-wide level proves that with enough grit and heart, there are no limits to what can be achieved. These students worked tirelessly and served others with a joy that was truly infectious."
The chapter’s Honors in Action project, “40 Stories, 40 Years” collection, won its category (Theme 4: Preserving Stories) as well as being recognized as the best overall Honors in Action project in the state, regardless of theme. The project was an ambitious undertaking to collect forty video interviews of individual associated with the college over its forty years, including several original faculty members, college presidents, former students, current students, and individuals with unique stories ranging from setting a Guinness World Record on campus to creating an award-winning journalism department.
In addition to being recognized as a five-star chapter for its efforts, the Alpha Mu Chi chapter was recognized as a “Top Chapter” for Phi Theta Kappa within the state of Texas. The chapter received awards for “Campus Impact” as well as “Excellence in Research and Action.”
The chapter also won the Outstanding Officer Team Award. A testament to their hard work and effective teamwork, the entire team received a plaque. Individual members of that team also received medallions. The Outstanding Team members include Emma Mendoza (Chapter President), Hailey Randall (Chapter Vice-President), Andrew Higgins (Vice President of Honors in Action), Alison Majors (Vice President of College Project), Sarah Hamlin (Vice President of Leadership), Xenia Esparza (Vice President of Service), Araceli Landaverde (Vice President of Scholarship), Karen Hernandez (Vice President of Fellowship), Claire Still (Treasurer), LaDarrius Patterson (Liaison with Theatre Northeast), and José Fuentes (District III Vice President).
Each chapter can nominate up to two officers for the outstanding officer award. This year, both chapter nominees were inducted into the Texas Region Hall of Honor for Outstanding Officers: Andrew Higgins and Araceli Hernandez. It is rare to have even one nominee inducted into the Hall of Honor, it is a delight to see both individuals recognized with this state-wide honor.
Each chapter can also nominate one member for the outstanding member award. In addition to the two officer nominees winning this year, the chapter member nominee was also recognized at the Texas Regional level. Stephanie Hernandez was inducted into the Texas Region Hall of Honor for Outstanding Members.
The chapter also received the award for Outstanding Service Project. Under the guidance of Dr. Svirska-Otero, chapter members volunteered as translators for the Winnsboro Fire Department Christmas Project. As a result of the efforts of translators, families in the area who would otherwise have not been helped, due to language barriers, received help and the joy of Christmas.
Northeast Texas Community College is in District III of the Texas Region for Phi Theta Kappa. District III includes fifteen colleges, such as Texarkana College, Paris College, Kilgore College, Tyler Junior College, and others. Members who contribute significantly within their chapter and attend district meetings are eligible for the District III Hall of Honor, as long as they have not previously been inducted into the District Hall of Honor. Members inducted into the District III Hall of Honor at the 2026 Texas Regional Convention were José Fuentes, Emma Mendoza, Hailey Randall, Andrew Higgins, Araceli Landaverde, Sarah Hamlin, Claire Still, Karen Hernandez, Xenia Esparza, Stephany Fuentes, and Stephanie Hernandez. In addition, José Fuentes and Xenia Esparza received “Employment Edge” pins.
The chapter’s college project, an exploration of peer-mentoring, was recognized as a project of merit.
Dr. Melissa Fulgham received a “stole of gratitude” from outgoing District III Vice-President José Fuentes.
The three-day conference, held in the Fort Worth Hilton, March 5 – 7, included guest speakers Jay Harris, journalist for ESPN/Sports Center Anchor, Dr. Kozhi Makai, performance psychologist and founder Kozhi Makai Worldwide, Anna Maria Dennis, and NTCC’s own José Fuentes. The conference also included fellowship opportunities such as games and a dance, a college fair, an interview competition, a speech competition, and more.
For more information about Alpha Mu Chi, Northeast Texas Community College’s award-winning chapter, check out the chapter’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alphamuchi/ or email mfulgham@ntcc.edu or msvirskaotero@ntcc.edu or ahayes@ntcc.edu .
Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
