Walters State’s Alpha Beta Iota Chapter and its members earned 16 top awards at the international meeting of Phi Beta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges, this spring.
The chapter earned five-star status, ranking it among the top chapters. Several individuals were also recognized for leadership.
Dr. Lisa Eccles, associate professor of science, received first place as a distinguished advisor. Daniel-Lee Parker Folden received second place as a distinguished member. Both are from Jefferson City. The officers received second place in the Distinguished Officer Team. The chapter was also recognized for Distinguished College Project; Distinguished Honors in Action and received the Icarus Award and the Out of the Box Award. The chapter was also named a Chapter of Light.
Two Walters State students were also chose to serve roles at the regional level. Sara Stevers of Talbott was chosen as the regional president and Taylor Ellis of New Tazewell was elected regional vice president – east.
The organization also sponsors a literary competition coinciding with its convention. The chapter’s suggestion for the title of the group’s anthology, “Tennessee Mosaic,” was chosen. Jacki Stump of Whitesburg won first place in nonfiction and honorable mention in poetry. William Bradley Moore of Bean Station won first place in fiction and honorable mention in nonfiction and poetry. Edward Bower of Strawberry Plains won third place in nonfiction.