Hill College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Nu Xi, receives numerous awards at regional and international events
Ashlee Ferguson
Monday, April 13, 2026 8:20 AM
Academics, Student Activities
Hillsboro, TX
This March, members of Hill College’s Nu Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) attended both the Texas Region Conference (TRC) in Fort Worth, Texas, and the annual PTK Catalyst event in Baltimore, Maryland, along with chapter advisors, Dr. Jenny Corder and Jim Williamson, as well as the Dean of Arts & Humanities Nancy McKenzie.
“It was a privilege and honor to take the students of the Hill College PTK chapter to these conferences and see how their hard work paid off. These awards are a testament to both the students and faculty involved with the Nu Xi chapter,” said Dr. Jenny Corder, professor of drama and Phi Theta Kappa advisor.
At the Texas conference, students were able to attend multiple workshops and sessions to develop leadership skills, prepare for transfer to four-year institutions or into the workforce, work on chapter projects, and network with other state chapters.
Chapter President Matthew Rodriguez and Chapter Vice President Christina Sulak presented on leadership development in the conference’s poster competition. Rodriguez also competed in the impromptu speech competition.
The chapter received numerous awards, including the Five Star Chapter award, the Campus Impact award, the Excellence in Research and Action award, the College Project Award of Merit, and the Most Improved Chapter award.
In addition to chapter awards, Jim Williamson, PTK advisor and professor of psychology, received the Hall of Honor for Outstanding Advisors award, which recognizes advisors who make significant contributions to the growth of their chapter, serve as the chapter’s advocate on campus, and encourage the chapter to be involved on the local, regional, and international level.
Rodriguez received the Hall of Honor for Outstanding Officers, which recognizes leadership, promotion of Honors in Action, and other engagement in PTK, as well as enthusiasm for PTK’s Hallmarks of Fellowship, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.
Rodriguez, Sulak, Chapter Member Renee Harper, and alum Alexandra Latham all received the District III Hall of Honor award, which recognizes members, officers, and alumni who have served the chapter by embodying the Hallmarks of PTK.
In addition to regional awards, both Matthew Rodriguez and Jim Williamson received international PTK Catalyst awards. These prestigious awards honor the outstanding achievements of individuals of the over 250,000 society members from across the globe.
Rodriguez was one of 30 recipients of the Outstanding Chapter Officer award in the society. Williamson was one of 20 advisors to receive the Outstanding Advisor award. These awards speak to the dedication, advocacy, service, and leadership of the PTK members.
“Jim recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as an advisor to the Nu Xi chapter. This honor was overdue and well-deserved,” said Dr. Jenny Corder, professor of drama and Phi Theta Kappa advisor. “Both Matthew and Jim should be proud of their achievements. These were huge honors and a nod to Hill College for its commitment to excellence.”
“While I am grateful for this recognition, it is really a team award. Our chapter’s success comes from the hard work of our students and officers, the unwavering dedication and leadership of my co-advisor, Dr. Jenny Corder, and the support of Dean Nancy McKenzie,” said Williamson.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honorary scholarship society for community and technical colleges whose mission is to recognize the academic achievement of college students. The Hill College chapter, Nu Xi, was established in 1964. Requirements for inductees working toward an associate’s degree include a minimum of 12 hours of college-level coursework completed at Hill College with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and who are currently enrolled at Hill College. For students pursuing a certificate at Hill College, requirements include a minimum of six hours with a GPA of 3.5 completed at Hill College.
PTK Catalyst
PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s premier annual event, bringing together members, advisors, and their supporters for personal development, fellowship, and celebration of accomplishments of the PTK community.