Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills receives Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award

  Cami Steele
  Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:30 PM
  General Events

Hillsboro, TX

In April, Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills received the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon Award at the annual PTK Catalyst conference for new presidents who have served less than three years at two-year colleges.

The PTK Paragon Award is a prestigious recognition for presidents who have exhibited outstanding support of student success and for encouraging high-quality learning environments both inside and outside the classroom. Awardees are nominated by fellow chapter members and advisors for significant contributions to their PTK chapter, for enhancing awareness and accessibility to PTK membership, encouraging student success, and effectively allocating community resources.

Dr. Mills began his tenure as president of Hill College in August of 2022. With the support of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, the college has made significant efforts in programming, campus beautification, dorm improvements, as well as substantial advances and expansions to athletic and program facilities.

In addition to the Paragon Award, Dr. Mills also received the New Presidents Hall of Honor Award for the PTK Texas Region.

“It was an honor to receive the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award and the New Presidents Hall of Honor Award. Not only does it recognize the hard work we have done as a college, but also recognizes the dedication we have to our students and community. I thank Phi Theta Kappa Advisor & Professor of Drama Dr. Jennifer Corder, Dean of Arts & Humanities Nancy McKenzie, and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Jim Williamson for their continued involvement with PTK and our PTK students,” said Dr. Mills.

The annual PTK Catalyst conference is Phi Theta Kappa’s premier event, which brings together members, advisors, and professionals that contribute to community development. The 2025 event included opportunities for personal and professional development, college transfer guidance from industry experts, inspirational speakers, and numerous opportunities for networking.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 and recognizes the academic achievement of students. It encourages academic achievement of community college students by promoting the organization’s four pillars of success—leadership, service, scholarship, and fellowship. There are a total of 1,244 national chapters and over 350,000 nationally active members. In the State of Texas, there are 94 chapters, with over 38,000 members. The Nu Xi Chapter at Hill College was initiated in 1965, and in 2019 the college received a five-star recognition, which acknowledges the institution’s success in campus and community engagement activities.

“On behalf of the Nu Xi chapter of PTK, we congratulate Dr. Mills as a recipient of the Paragon Award for new presidents during the 2025 PTK Catalyst Convention. We thank him for his

continued support of the students who lead and are a part of this chapter and look forward to continued success with his encouragement and the support of so many across Hill College,” said McKenzie.

For more information on Hill College, please visit hillcollege.edu.