The first choice for leaderhip & learning
When Kaydence Richardson of Athens began exploring college options in early 2024, LLCC quickly became her top choice. A strong student academically, Richardson found LLCC to offer the perfect blend of academic excellence, affordability and opportunity. And, as it turns out, she not only found a college — she found a community.
Richardson accepted a full academic scholarship, joined the LLCC Honors program and accepted her invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a prestigious, international academic honor society for two-year colleges.
“I joined my first year in college and thanks to the honors program and PTK, I had a group of people to connect with,” says Richardson, who is now in her sophomore year studying English at LLCC.
Leading with purpose
LLCC’s PTK chapter has consistently earned top honors, ranking among the top 100 chapters internationally for the past two years and achieving Five Star Chapter status for 12 consecutive years. The chapter is a model of excellence, which it accomplishes through projects like the Honors in Action Project, a dynamic campus presence, PTK Hallmark Awards submissions and participation in regional and international events.
“What sets PTK apart are the leadership development opportunities, including serving as an officer or on committees,” says Dr. Gillian Bauer, English professor and PTK co-advisor. “The club is entirely student led. They decide what projects and activities they want to tackle and what needs to be done to complete them. My job is to help them learn to lead their chapter, build agendas, lead meetings and make connections at the school and in the community to accomplish their goals.”
Building skills and credentials
PTK members can also enhance their resumes through PTK EDGE, a series of professional development courses that award microcredential badges, which appear on PTK transcripts and can be added to resumes and job applications.
“Students can take these self-paced courses on research, transfer processes, health professions, business and advocacy. The microcredential signifies the student has completed courses designed by an international honor society focused on leadership,” explains Ryan Roberts, interim dean of The Learning Center at LLCC, professor and chapter co-advisor.
Launching bright futures
PTK membership opens doors to millions of dollars in scholarships — and LLCC students consistently excel in national competitions.
Earlier this year, Zorah Austin of Virden was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar, earning a $1,000 scholarship. In 2024, Malena Kirgan of New Holland received a $1,000 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship and Olivia Marchizza of Auburn was awarded $2,250 as a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar.
PTK members also gain access to a database of more than 800 colleges and universities offering transfer scholarships specifically for PTK students.
Richardson plans to take full advantage of PTK scholarships as she begins the transfer process. “Knowing there are scholarships at the colleges waiting on PTK members is important to me,” she says.
Her drive and appreciation for PTK are echoed by Issac Barrett, former chapter president, who says PTK was transformative.
“PTK gave me the tools to excel as a leader and a scholar,” said Barrett, now a senior studying neuroscience at the University of Illinois. “It built my confidence as a student and taught me how to be more proactive about getting involved on campus and in the classroom. PTK offers valuable leadership experience as well as providing a great way to make connections with amazing people!”