RCC Phi Theta Kappa Chapter inducts new members at Fall 2025 Ceremony

Randolph Community College’s Beta Theta Rho chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, inducted 61 new members during its Fall 2025 Induction Ceremony, held Saturday, Nov. 22, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium. The ceremony celebrated academic excellence, leadership, service, and the enduring impact of RCC’s PTK chapter — now entering its 27th year on campus.

“Phi Theta Kappa scholars represent the future we are building at Randolph Community College — a future defined by persistence, purpose, and service,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “These students remind us that excellence is not accidental; it is earned through discipline, integrity, and a commitment to lifting others as you rise. I am incredibly proud of each inductee and confident they will continue to elevate RCC as they pursue their goals.”

The ceremony included the presentation of the Waymon C. Martin Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, now in its eighth year. Chapter Advisor and English/Communication Instructor Clark Adams awarded the scholarship to Joshua Peterson and Dylan Norton. Peterson, who was in attendance, was recognized for his academic excellence and commitment to service. Established in memory of longtime RCC instructor and PTK advisor Waymon Martin, the scholarship supports outstanding PTK members pursuing their studies at RCC.

Adams led the program and reflected on the chapter’s 26-year legacy and RCC’s long-standing commitment to fostering scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. Since its chartering in 1999, RCC’s PTK chapter has inducted more than 4,000 students and maintained a reputation for academic excellence within the national organization.

Two PTK alumni addressed the new inductees and shared messages of resilience, purpose, and service.

Emma Lambirth — a former PTK Vice President and current RCC Student Success Counselor — spoke about finding her voice at RCC and the lifelong importance of service and persistence. The first-generation college student reflected on her educational journey from RCC’s College & Career Readiness program to earning her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

“Some of the experiences were completely foreign to me, and to be honest, were at times a little scary,” Lambirth said. “But they all worked to show me that I was capable of hard things, that my voice was important, my opinions matter, and I could make a difference. Once I found my voice, I promised that I would never be silenced again, that I would use my voice for others who feel voiceless, which ultimately led me back home to this college as an employee. Phi Theta Kappa taught me that scholarship goes beyond the classroom and is a way of life. This college, this auditorium, Phi Theta Kappa, is not the destination. It’s just a steppingstone to whatever you want it to be.”

Vanessa Perez Vences, a recent RCC/Randolph Early College High School graduate and QuestBridge Scholar currently attending Duke University, credited her parents for keeping her going through the tough times and encouraged students to think of those who sacrificed for them to pursue their education.

“As a first-generation Mexican American student, there wasn't a roadmap waiting for me,” she said. “I was figuring things out as I went, sometimes hitting potholes, but always moving forward. The reason I'm standing here today is because my parents made sacrifices that opened doors for me. Their sacrifices became my opportunity. Growth happens when we’re willing to challenge ourselves and combine that curiosity with resourcefulness. When doors don’t open, you build one. When you can’t find opportunities, make them. When things feel uncertain, take initiative and reach out for help.”

Dr. Lisa Johnson, Vice President of Learning and Workforce Development/CAO, presided over the induction ceremony, along with Meredith Hargett, Chapter President; Hannah Tessier, Chapter Secretary; and Elizabeth York, Chapter Public Relations Officer.

Special music was provided by RCC graduates Paulina Escobar, Sarah Wright, and Sophia Wright. PTK advisors Mathematics Instructor Ellen Adams and Spanish Instructors Alma Nall and Delores Vargas Benavides hosted a reception in the inductees’ honor in the Armadillo Café following the ceremony.

Outside of the induction ceremony, PTK members have also contributed to several impactful initiatives throughout 2025, underscoring the chapter’s continued momentum:

• Attended the PTK Regional Convention in Atlantic Beach in March,
• Participated in the PTK Honors Institute at UNC–Chapel Hill in June,
• Produced a promotional video for RCC,
• Organized a donation drive supporting the Randolph County Animal Shelter,
• Assisted Archdale Friends Meeting in establishing a historical records room.

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About Beta Theta Rho: Randolph Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Theta Rho, is in its 27th year and has proudly maintained 5-Star status, the society’s highest level of achievement, for 23 consecutive years. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing outstanding students and fostering scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.

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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.