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GRCC President Pink honored by national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for supporting student success, leadership

Feb. 10, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink is among 28 college presidents nationwide receiving a Paragon President Award from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Pink was among 500 presidents who were eligible.

“I’m honored to receive this award, and I do so on behalf of our GRCC family,” Pink said. “We are focused on student success. That means creating opportunities and having high expectations, but also creating an environment where students are supported and can thrive. Our Phi Theta Kappa team is one example of that -- but a significant one.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The organization is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

PTK students nationally have a 91% student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of this organization increases member success and the depth of their college experience.

Alpha Upsilon Kappa, GRCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, was recognized last year as a 5-Star chapter for the third consecutive year. GRCC also will host the organization’s regional conference this year.

Associate professor Lynne Seldberg, who is the PTK adviser, wrote in her nominating letter that Pink’s commitment to the student experience is visible in all the work that he does.

“Dr. Pink spends a great deal of time developing and guiding students.  He is passionate about not only identifying opportunities for students, but seeking out experiences that will help students achieve more than they thought possible,” she wrote.

Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.

 

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