FORT WORTH, Texas (April 26, 2017) – Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, has presented top awards to Tarrant County College Southeast Campus student Justin Alozie and Northwest Campus President Elva LeBlanc, Ph.D.
The organization named Alozie as a 2017 Guistwhite Scholar, which recognizes his academic achievements, leadership skills and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. He is one of 15 Guistwhite award recipients in the country and will receive a $5,000 scholarship toward the completion of his bachelor’s degree. Alozie earned another $5,000 scholarship for his selection as a member of the 2017 All-USA Community College Academic Team, sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Phi Theta Kappa. He is among 20 students in the nation to receive that honor.
“We are so proud of Justin and all he has accomplished and expect to hear about his continued success for years to come,” said Bill Coppola, Ph.D., president of Southeast Campus. “He is a leader and role model for many of our students. His enthusiasm and involvement embody the spirit of Southeast Campus.”
Alozie plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin this fall to study public health and then go on to dental school. He received recognition for his accomplishments this month at the AACC convention in New Orleans as well as at the Phi Theta Kappa convention in Nashville.
Also during the Nashville convention, Phi Theta Kappa representatives presented LeBlanc the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction. The Shirley B. Gordon Award honors college presidents who demonstrate strong support for Phi Theta Kappa. The student leaders of Northwest Campus’ Phi Theta Kappa chapter nominated LeBlanc.
“She has been such an amazing influence on the Alpha Delta Delta chapter and on the whole campus,” said Taylor Cattes, chapter president. “Dr. LeBlanc does everything in her power to make this campus as great as it can possibly be, and we at Phi Theta Kappa admire her for that.”
“Dr. LeBlanc is our biggest supporter,” added Ayanna Jackson-Fowler, Ph.D., chapter advisor. “She comes to every Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony, congratulates the students on their honors and constantly checks in with students and advisors to make sure everything is going well. Dr. LeBlanc leads in a spirit of excellence.”
LeBlanc was among 19 college presidents/campus CEOs to receive the 2017 award. In June, she will transition to her new role as TCC’s first executive vice chancellor and provost.