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Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony held at Crowder College

  • 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 NameLast NameHometownState
    StephanieCorriganBella VistaAR
    TabithaFarrisGarfieldAR
    MaureenMannOsageIA
    WyattReynoldsAndersonMO
    PortiaMorrowArchieMO
    VerinShirleyAuroraMO
    ArianBaftiriCarthageMO
    SaushaMillerCarthageMO
    GracePinkleyCarthageMO
    TristenStricklandCarthageMO
    KadenBurleyEL Dorado SpringsMO
    AidanBahnGladstoneMO
    GraceHalladayGoodmanMO
    JessiHiltonGoodmanMO
    RussellHiltonGoodmanMO
    MalorieHanceGranbyMO
    MirandaJohnson-DavisJoplinMO
    PatriciaMooreJoplinMO
    JairEdgingtonLoma LindaMO
    ChristianConradNeoshoMO
    StellaCullersNeoshoMO
    JaredHarveyNeoshoMO
    ValeriaLoaNeoshoMO
    LanaeaPlappertNeoshoMO
    WilliamSampsonNeoshoMO
    EthanShepardNeoshoMO
    GaugeSpierNeoshoMO
    FinneganVersluisNeoshoMO
    TorynFowlerNevadaMO
    DelanaHoganNevadaMO
    AngelMendoza-MartinezNoelMO
    SandiBaumgardenRockvilleMO
    AaliyahFranklinShell KnobMO
    DaisyGomezShell KnobMO
    AylaCullersStellaMO
    LakenMcCoyMiamiOK

    ###
    Please contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu if you have any additional questions.

  • For Immediate Release
    03/02/2026

    JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

    Leyli Ogle, a student at Crowder College, has been named a 2026 New Century Transfer and All-USA Academic Team Scholar. She will receive scholarships totaling $5,750 in recognition of her intellectual, leadership, and community and campus engagement achievements.

    New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.

    “Leyli personifies perseverance,” observed Dr. David Schieffler, a co-advisor of the Xi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Crowder. “She works full-time, is enrolled in a full slate of Crowder classes, and takes life’s inevitable challenges in stride. Upon graduating from Crowder, she plans to study social work at Missouri State University and then work in a high-need school. Her future students will be lucky to have her.”

    Emily Lewis, co-advisor of the Xi Xi chapter, PTK at Crowder commented, “Leyli consistently demonstrates resilience in the way she approaches both challenges and opportunities. She pushes herself to grow, leads with integrity, and supports those around her in meaningful ways. Her commitment to the values of PTK is evident in her actions, not just her words. We are truly fortunate to have her at Crowder, and I have no doubt she will continue to make a positive impact wherever her path leads.”

    The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and Phi Theta Kappa.

    “We congratulate Leyli for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

    The New Century Transfer Scholars will be recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.

    Ogle was recognized for her academic achievements, campus and community engagement and overall leadership. The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Each institution may nominate two students, and Ogle is one of 20 chosen nationally.

    “The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student’s exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said. “These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges. We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2026 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make.”