Dan Lufkin, president of TCC South, was recently selected to receive the Paragon Award from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). He is among 28 college presidents recognized for their support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer and employment. These presidents take an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus. According to PTK, students affiliated with their organization have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.
To be eligible for the award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role, having served less than three years.
Students nominate award recipients. “When it came time to nominate individuals for awards, the officers keenly nominated Dr. Lufkin for the Paragon Award. The team wholeheartedly believes that the chapter would not have been able to accomplish all the things we have done without the support and guidance that he has provided us.” said Cristina Burden, vice president of scholarship for the Rho Chi chapter of PTK at TCC South. “From the first time the chapter met with him, he has been enthusiastic about everything PTK. He is always very supportive of our ideas and is eager and open to the direction we take.”
Madelyn Bowman, associate professor of government at TCC South serves as the chapter’s advisor. She also appreciates Lufkin’s support of the chapter. “Dr. Lufkin has supported the Rho Chi chapter from day one. Two weeks after he started, we planted a tree on the campus for Earth Day. He grabbed a shovel, smiled for the camera and warmly welcomed the students.”
In response to receiving the award, Lufkin said, “I am extremely touched to have been nominated by our TCC South PTK for the Paragon Award, and I am even more honored to have been selected to receive this recognition. PTK is an outstanding organization with talented and engaged students who it is a pleasure to support.”
Lufkin says the award is a reminder of the good work happening at TCC and the South Campus. “I look forward to continuing to connect with our students to better understand what support they need to achieve their academic, career and life goals.”