Lawson students who recently attended the Alabama Regional Conference for Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for associate degree-granting colleges, earned a coveted 2 Star Chapter Award.
Cierra Gaines, Jamaya Jackson, Aaliyah Marble, Alyx Coi Eiland, and Kyndall Davis represented the college. Beyond experiencing a memorable weekend of excellence and networking during the gathering at Coastal Alabama Community College, the students also earned PTK’s Reach Award. The recognition was for engaging students through invitation and for participating in regional activities and events throughout the year.
"We had a record number of students to join PTK last year," added Ms. Burns. "We had 87 students join the organization in 2025, up from 74 new members in 2024. Each semester we have almost 500 students that qualify to receive an invitation to join. That is followed up with at least two informational sessions."
In other words, the students who actually become Lawson State Phi Theta Kappa members truly represent the best of the best.
For Lawson State biology major Aaliyah Marable, the conference was something she won't forget.
"PTK truly feels like a family that connects members from all over. I had the opportunity to meet many new people, and the experience was both humbling and meaningful," said the aspiring pediatrician who plans to transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham next year.
"It allowed me to see what other chapters are doing," Aaliyah added. "The projects they are working on were incredibly inspiring."
Pursuing a four-year degree is not uncommon for PTK members. "Most students in PTK choose to transfer to UAB to continue their education," said Ms. Burns. "They offer the transfer excellence ($4000 fall/spring) and PTK scholarships ($3000 fall/spring) that are stackable for qualifying transfers with a 3.5 GPA or greater."
Alabama is quite active on the PTK front. The state has more than 30 chapters and is considered an award-winning region, especially in the areas of leadership, service, fellowship, transfer readiness, and diversity. Students who are invited to join the organization are often recognized for their academic achievements but also have opportunities for personal and professional growth.
According to PTK.org, the overall success rate of Phi Theta Kappa members is 91%. This is more than double the success rates of other community college students. Phi Theta Kappa's membership is generally the top 10% of students attending community college.
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa membership at Lawson State Community College, contact tburns@lawsonstate.edu.
