March 11, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony held at Crowder College
Neosho, MO -Crowder College had the privilege of celebrating scholarship, leadership, and fellowship during our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society International Spring Induction ceremony for the Xi Xi Chapter, Sunday, March 8.
PTK recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to leadership and service. It was inspiring to welcome our newest members into this international organization and celebrate the dedication that brought them to this moment.
We were especially honored to welcome Keith Zoromski, Ed.D.of Mineral Area College, back to Crowder College as our keynote speaker. In his remarks, Dr. Zoromski, described Phi Theta Kappa as the “flagship” of honor societies and reflected on the journey of academic and personal growth as one that sometimes moves through uncertain waters. He encouraged students to rely on the leadership, scholarship, and community they gain through PTK to help chart their course and navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.
The induction also included the inaugural recognition of two awards, Star Staff and Star Faculty, and recognized two individuals who play a vital role in supporting our students. Congratulations to our Star Faculty Award, Stacy Pugh-Towe and our Star Staff Award recipient, Cindy Brown. Your dedication and impact on our campus community are deeply appreciated.
“As a Xi Xi Chapter Advisor, it is always a privilege to celebrate our students and their accomplishments,” stated Emily Lewis, co-advisor PTK and English Instructor. “A special thank you to my co-advisor, David Schieffler, and to our Executive Officer Team for the leadership, planning, and dedication that made this ceremony possible.”
“We are also grateful for the continued support from our college administration, including our President, Chett Daniel, Ed.D., PCED and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Sandra Wilson, for their encouragement of student achievement and leadership helps create opportunities like this for our students to grow and succeed,” stated Lewis.
Congratulations again to our newest Phi Theta Kappa members. The following 35 members were inducted into the XiXi Chapter of PTK for the academic achievements:
| First Name | Last Name | Hometown | State |
| Stephanie | Corrigan | Bella Vista | AR |
| Tabitha | Farris | Garfield | AR |
| Maureen | Mann | Osage | IA |
| Wyatt | Reynolds | Anderson | MO |
| Portia | Morrow | Archie | MO |
| Verin | Shirley | Aurora | MO |
| Arian | Baftiri | Carthage | MO |
| Sausha | Miller | Carthage | MO |
| Grace | Pinkley | Carthage | MO |
| Tristen | Strickland | Carthage | MO |
| Kaden | Burley | EL Dorado Springs | MO |
| Aidan | Bahn | Gladstone | MO |
| Grace | Halladay | Goodman | MO |
| Jessi | Hilton | Goodman | MO |
| Russell | Hilton | Goodman | MO |
| Malorie | Hance | Granby | MO |
| Miranda | Johnson-Davis | Joplin | MO |
| Patricia | Moore | Joplin | MO |
| Jair | Edgington | Loma Linda | MO |
| Christian | Conrad | Neosho | MO |
| Stella | Cullers | Neosho | MO |
| Jared | Harvey | Neosho | MO |
| Valeria | Loa | Neosho | MO |
| Lanaea | Plappert | Neosho | MO |
| William | Sampson | Neosho | MO |
| Ethan | Shepard | Neosho | MO |
| Gauge | Spier | Neosho | MO |
| Finnegan | Versluis | Neosho | MO |
| Toryn | Fowler | Nevada | MO |
| Delana | Hogan | Nevada | MO |
| Angel | Mendoza-Martinez | Noel | MO |
| Sandi | Baumgarden | Rockville | MO |
| Aaliyah | Franklin | Shell Knob | MO |
| Daisy | Gomez | Shell Knob | MO |
| Ayla | Cullers | Stella | MO |
| Laken | McCoy | Miami | OK |
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Please contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu if you have any additional questions.