Bluegrass Community and Technical College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Receives Multiple National Awards, Recognizing Excellence in Academic Achievement and Leadership | BCTC

Bluegrass Community and Technical College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Receives Multiple National Awards, Recognizing Excellence in Academic Achievement and Leadership

Published on Apr 9, 2025

BCTC PTK with their awardsLexington, KY - The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) has received several prestigious national honors, solidifying its place as one of the top chapters in the nation. As a chapter dedicated to promoting academic excellence, leadership development, and community service, BCTC’s local Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Alpha Phi Kappa, has earned remarkable recognition at the national level.

Out of 1,300 chapters across the United States, Alpha Phi Kappa was named one of the Top 50 Distinguished Chapters in the following categories:

  1. College Project
  2. Honors in Action
  3. Honors in Action Theme: #4 Preserving Stories

In addition to these high honors, Alpha Phi Kappa also earned the distinction of being among the Top 100 Chapters and was recognized as the Most Distinguished Chapter in the nation.

BCTC’s Phi Theta Kappa achievements didn’t stop there. The chapter was awarded the Distinguished Advisor Team Award and the Distinguished Officer Team Award, highlighting the outstanding leadership and commitment of faculty and student officers.

Dr. Gregory Feeney, BCTC’s President/CEO, was also honored with the prestigious New President Paragon Award, a recognition that celebrates exceptional leadership and guidance within the PTK organization.

The chapter also received the Reach Award for achieving a 40% increase in both membership and student engagement, exemplifying their success in fostering a vibrant, active community of scholars.

Additionally, Evangeline Cash, a PTK member at BCTC, was named to the 2025 All-Academic Team Scholar, further demonstrating the caliber of BCTC students involved in Phi Theta Kappa.

And in a crowning achievement, Alpha Phi Kappa won 1st place for the Most Distinguished Chapter in the Nation, a remarkable accomplishment that places BCTC among the top colleges and universities nationwide.

"I am incredibly proud of our students and their hard work," said Professor Kimberly Ross-Brown, PTK Advisor. "These accolades represent their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. I would like to especially recognize the leadership of Lazo Omar, our Alpha Phi Kappa Chapter President, and congratulate Jennifer Ward, President Elect, and Devin Zimmer, Vice President Elect, on their newly elected roles as Kentucky Regional Officers for 2025-2026. Their dedication and leadership are integral to our chapter’s success. This is a major accomplishment not only for our chapter, but for Bluegrass Community and Technical College and the entire state of Kentucky."

The recognition received by Phi Theta Kappa at Bluegrass Community and Technical College highlights the institution’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. These honors reflect the collective effort of faculty, staff, and students who continuously strive to elevate the college and its students to new heights.

“I am thrilled to be nominated and to receive the New President Paragon Award, but the true recognition belongs to the remarkable students and faculty of our PTK Chapter,” said Dr. Greg Feeney. “This award reflects the dedication, passion, and teamwork that our chapter embodies. We’ve always strived for academic excellence, leadership, and community service, and these national accolades validate the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. I am so proud of our students for their achievements, and together, we’ve shown that BCTC stands as a beacon of excellence in higher education,” said Feeney. 

For further information about Phi Theta Kappa at BCTC, please visit BCTC’s Phi Theta Kappa webpage or contact Kimberly Ross-Brown at kimberly.ross-brown@kctcs.edu.

About Phi Theta Kappa:

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at two-year colleges. The organization recognizes academic achievement and encourages the development of leadership and service. Members of Phi Theta Kappa engage in a wide range of activities, including academic research, leadership development, and community service projects. With over 1,300 chapters worldwide, PTK is committed to promoting scholarly excellence and the well-being of the communities they serve.