Spring 2021 Phi Theta Kappa Induction

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spring 2021 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Induction Ceremony is being held virtually. We are recognizing students who have became members of PTK last year and this year. The PTK advisors would like to extend a very warm “Congratulations” to all of our new members, and we look forward to working with you all throughout the year.

Jessica Wise and Amanda Kennedy
PTK Advisors

Zuleyka Becerril Pantoja

Career Choice: Criminal Justice/ Criminal Investigator

Inspiration: My mom and uncles inspired me to continue my education and get my degree. They overcame poverty and immigrated to an unknown country looking for a better future. They sacrificed their lives working in order to provide for us. Now it is my turn to build a future and be able to provide for them like they provided for me. Everything I've accomplished so far is for them.

LaVerne Valerisse Bell

Major/future career choice: Music Education & Performance

Inspiration: Who or what inspired you to come to college? My friend Sharon Washington inspired and motivated me to get back in school to complete my education. My job also inspired me to pursue a career so that I can have a better quality of life. My love for teaching was my ultimate aspiration to come back to college.

Stephanie Belknap

Degree: Health Information Management

Inspiration: My daughters inspired me to go to college.

Delana Crutti
Phi Theta Kappa Public Relations Officer

Major: My major is an Associate of Arts and Liberal Science. My goal is to earn a Master in Dietetics.

Inspiration: I am my own inspiration. I attended college because I want this achievement in my life. I want to set good examples for my children. I want to live life to the fullest.

Kenneth Faber

Degree: Associates of Liberal Arts & Sciences w/ future plans to pursue a Bachelors in Exercise Science.  I Hope to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Inspiration: My mother (RIP) always wanted me to go to College, I joined the Marine Corps instead.  I decided after she passed away to finish what I started.

Ahlena Faver

Major: Health Information Management

Inspiration: My mother has always inspired me to do the best I can in life. And my son inspires me to finish college so I can provide the best life for him.

Carevia Flowers

Major: Radiologist technician

Inspiration: My three boys.

Elizabeth Dianne Foster

Major: Associate of Science in Education - Dyslexia Intervention

Inspiration: I found a job that I really enjoy, but to advance I needed a degree. Now I'm graduating this May and have interviews lined up for more permanent positions.

Rachel French
Phi Theta Kappa Vice President

Degree: Associates of Science and Liberal Arts

Inspiration: My husband and children inspired me to go to college. I wanted to follow my dreams to a career that would comfortably support us and allow my husband more time home with our children while they are still young.

Alison Victoria Guthrie

Current Major: Associate in Arts & Science with a concentration in Psychology

Major/future career choice: Plans to transfer out of state and pursue a Bachelor's (and ultimately a PhD) in Human Factor Psychology, specializing in inclusive design for individuals with accessibility needs.

Who/what inspired me to go to college: After years of struggling with self-doubt about my abilities, I was offered an amazing position at a nonprofit organization that I love. I realized that accepting the position would be accepting a future without an education and without pursuing a career I knew I was meant for. So, I declined the position and registered as a full-time student at UA-PTC.

Meloney Elizabeth Harris

This day would not have been possible without the help of my supportive husband Danny and my darling daughter Jade who is my cheer squad. I also want to recognize my father who is my greatest influence, and even though he is resting, today is as much for him as it is for me. He believed in me and motivated me to work toward my goal. I wish you could have been here today Dad. This is the beginning of great things to come.

Degree: Liberal Arts and Science

Career: Nursing

Inspiration: Motivated by my father.

Amber Hatton

Degree: Associates of Liberal Arts and Science with a concentration in Biology

Inspiration: My mother inspires me.

Andrew Bailey Hepler

Major: Biology with a Minor in Psychology.

Inspiration: I was inspired to go to college to pursue a career in Psychiatry so I can work to help remove the stigma surrounding Behavioral and Mental Health.

Carolyn “Cara” Higgins

Major: Nursing-RN

What inspired me to go to college: My children, Lane and Wyatt. I want to provide them with a better life, while teaching them that with hard work and dedication, they can do anything they set their minds to.

Morgan Nicole Lipe

Major: My major is Elementary Education.

Inspiration: I have been inspired to go to college by the kids that I work with. I knew that I always wanted to work with kids and being personal with the ones I work with has shown me that this is the path I am meant to take.

Toni Lutz

Degree: Bachelors of Nursing RN

Inspiration: My boys are my inspiration. I promised them and myself a long time ago I would complete my RN and become a real nurse. I also have to say my grandmother whom a 49 years old got her GED and tells me on weekly phone calls to keep on and how proud of me she is for keeping to my dreams and goals!

Dakotah Malone

Major: Dental Hygiene, Dental Hygienist

Inspiration: My children inspire me.

Paul Dean Mann, Jr.
Phi Theta Kappa President

Degree: Construction Management as well as Drafting and Design/ Career Choice; Construction Manager

Inspiration: I was encouraged to attend college by my parents.

LaKeisha V. Richardson

Degree: AS Liberal Arts & Sciences/Nursing and my goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Inspiration: I've been to college three times this go and finally I am receiving my associates. My motivation is remembering who I was when I first set out to complete my education. Since having my first child she has done nothing but motivate me to finish this milestone & begin the next!

Doris Irene Roberts
Phi Theta Kappa Secretary

Major/Career Choice: Associates of Applied Science, Technical Certification, and Certificate of Proficiency (Early Childhood Education)

Inspiration: I guess you could say a dream I had in 2015 inspired me, and with God's direction and many teachers and mentors along the way. Ms. Jessica Wise my first Essay I teacher, Mrs. Heintz, my speech teacher, Mrs. Kami Hicks My advisor, mentor, and early childhood education teacher, and Mrs. Traci Johnston my mentor, Early childhood Education teacher and TRIO, I have had so much support during my stay at UA-PTC. There are not enough words to thank all those involved in my Journey here. A good friend and mentor Connie Jordan, has been in my life for years and inspired me to keep going when things got tough. UA-PTC has held up its motto of getting students to fulfill dreams and to succeed to their fullest potential in my life. I have maintained all A's and 1 High B in Math, the last three years. Got in Milestones my 2nd Semester by winning 2nd Place in a Speech Contest. The dream I had in 2015 was what it was about. I am glad I will be here a few more semesters before I move on to Harding University.  I have thoroughly enjoyed college and learning has become a fun task for me. I love knowledge and I love moving forward in life.

Kwentaria Rupert

Degree: I aspire to be a culinary instructor with an emphasis in nutritional studies and content creator.

Inspiration: My family, especially my ancestors, inspired me to succeed in college. I am their dream fulfilled.

Julieta Segura

Major: Psychology

Inspiration: My greatest inspirations are my parents, as well as my own love of my chosen major and general love of learning.

Teresa Y. Tyree

Major: Computer Information Systems

Inspiration: My Father and love for technology.

Irma Villarrubia

Planned Degree: BS Psychology

Inspiration: My kids inspired me (I’m a first generation student).

Kimberleigh M. Waters

Degree: AS in Liberal Arts and Science with focus on Business and AS in General Studies with a focus on Psychology. I am a mature college student and already established in my career with nearly 20 years of federal government service.

Inspiration: My mother inspires me. She attended college later in life as well and went on to become a travel nurse for many years and licensed in 26 states. She was so smart and had more ambition and drive than anyone I’ve ever known. My mom, unfortunately, won’t be able to see my graduate since losing her a little over a year ago, but she was so proud of me for starting back to college to finish what I started 30 years ago.

Lacey Wynes

Major: Professional and Technical Writing

Inspiration: I wanted to be able to provide for my family. It took me 20 years to finish this degree, stopping when life took over, and restarting every chance I could. I am transferring to finish the next level of my education in the fall.

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