While most students think that Phi Theta Kappa is a sorority or a fraternity, it is not; it is an International Honor Society for 2-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa was named the official honors society for 2-year colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. Each 2-year college has its own chapter and for Sinclair, that chapter is Nu Pi. Phi Theta Kappa has been around since 1918 and the Nu Pi chapter has been at Sinclair since 1964. Currently, Brandon Johnson is the administrative assistant for the Nu Pi chapter and the advisor is Assistant Professor of Biology and Biotechnology Jason Hayes.
“To be eligible for Nu Pi a student must have a 3.5 GPA and have completed at least 12 credit hours at Sinclair,” said Johnson.
The benefits of being a Phi Theta Kappa include scholarships exclusively available for Phi Theta Kappa members as well as transfer scholarships available for over 850 4-year colleges such as the University of Dayton. Phi Theta Kappa also offers multiple Sinclair exclusive scholarships each semester which is funded by Phi Theta Kappa alumni. Another benefit is having a social network of over 3.5 million members since 1918 worldwide.
“Since the beginning of this semester [Fall 2021] we have inducted around 65 new students into the Nu Pi chapter,” said Johnson.
As far as the activities they do there are 5 Star chapter plans that change every year to keep members active. Also, Nu Pi partners with the Community Blood Center each semester for two blood drives in the Library NW Loggia. The next blood drive is on Monday, November 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We have informational sessions, an Induction Ceremony, a Community Garden, and also volunteer with local organizations. Last year we had members helping out with a toy drive with Dayton Children’s Hospital,” said Johnson.
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa visit ptk.org. Wanting to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa’s Nu Pi chapter students are usually sent invitations from Nu Pi. Students can also contact ptknupi@sinclair.edu, brandon.johnson@sinclair.edu, call (937)512-4331, or visit in person building 8 room 025 suite D to find out if they are eligible.
Sara Collins
Reporter