Member Mentions – January 2022

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi's international community is a unique blend of students, academicians, and corporate and civic leaders from all fields of endeavor. Membership in Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and rewards academic success. That recognition doesn’t end after initiation. From their time in school to their professional career, Society members’ hard work continues to pay off and be acknowledged.

Phi Kappa Phi would like to congratulate these members on their recent achievements:

Cole Howerton (Missouri State University) was selected for the 2021-2022 Citizen Scholar Award based upon dedication to the Public Affairs Mission of the university through coursework, activities, and service-learning opportunities.

Jessica Kirk (Texas Woman's University) has been chosen by the American Library Association to participate in its 2022 class of Emerging Leaders. The participants were chosen due to being "talented and committed early career leaders who are eager to pursue leadership opportunities," according to the ALA.

Noah Langenfeld (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) had the top poster and oral flash talk in the Crop Science Society of America's Crop Physiology Metabolism Division at the International Agronomy, Crop and Soils Conference.

J. Paul Padilla (University of Arizona) was honored with a K. Patricia Cross Future Leader Award by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The award recognizes graduate students who show exemplary promise as future leaders of higher education.

Evan Smith (Boise State University) received the Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering's Distinguished Scholar award at Boise State. The award recognizes the achievements of graduate students at the school.

Billie Strutton (Cameron University) has been appointed as Interim Director for Main Street Duncan in Duncan, Oklahoma. The organization's mission is "dedicated to preserving the heritage of the downtown Duncan district."

John Sudduth (Jacksonville State University) earned the Pierce C. Cain Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. The award is the highest honor bestowed on the faculty at Gadsden State.

Scott Willard (Mississippi State University) has been named director and dean for MSU's Agricultural and Forestry Experiment State and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He was named to the permanent positions after serving in the roles on an interim basis since 2020.

The 30th class of Mary Stuart Rogers Scholars includes two Phi Kappa Phi members from California State University, Stanislaus. They are Abdulla Mammadsoy and Georgina Orozco. The award is given to students who have demonstrated a dedication to helping others. It was Mammadsoy's third time to receive the honor.

Arkansas Money and Politics has named two University of Arkansas at Little Rock employees and Phi Kappa Phi members to its AMP Power Women for 2021 list – Mia Phillips and Heather Reed. The honor shines a spotlight on women in Arkansas who are setting themselves apart in the world of business and politics.

Do you have an accomplishment you’d like to share? Email your member news to news@phikappaphi.org to be considered for inclusion.

ΦKΦ Member Spotlight

After growing up in the small town of Patterson, Georgia, the move away from home to attend the University of Georgia was a scary adjustment for Josie DuPont. Once she adjusted to the new demands of college life, she found her calling. "College was a bit of a culture shock for me at first, and I thought there was no way I was going to make it through. I didn't even know what I wanted to major in and didn't officially declare a major until halfway through my sophomore year, which is when I discovered occupational therapy and knew that was the career I wanted to pursue," she shared.

During her last year at UGA, she spent time traveling to various grad schools to determine her next move, completing an internship at a pediatric therapy clinic, and volunteering with hippotherapy – the use of horseback riding as therapeutic treatment.

Josie chose Jacksonville University in Florida to continue her occupational therapy studies after graduation due to their small cohort size, variety of specializations and expertise of professors. She was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at JU last year.

Let's get to know Josie!

Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
I chose to accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi as a representation of my hard work and my dedication to my studies and the occupational therapy program at Jacksonville University. I am truly honored to join a community with like-minded individuals who are passionate about their chosen fields. Phi Kappa Phi for me represents perseverance, growth and commitment to lifelong learning.

What was the last show you binge-watched?
I am the type of person who typically rewatches the same shows over and over (I can probably quote every episode of Friends), but I did just jump on the bandwagon and binge-watch Squid Game on Netflix.

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?
I have two favorites: "Comparison is the thief of joy" and "The best things in life are on the other side of fear"!

Which phone app do you use the most?
Probably Instagram or Facebook. I also spend a lot of time scrolling through Open Table looking for vibey restaurants to add to my food bucket list.

If you could give advice to your freshman self, what would it be?
Stop eating so much Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A and go to the gym because the freshman 15 really is no joke!

Do you believe in life on other planets?
The solar system blows my mind and is incomprehensible to me when I sit and really try to think about it, so I wouldn't doubt it!

If you could live anywhere on Earth, where would it be?
I think I would want to live on a cruise ship that travels around the world and has a 24/7 buffet. Or in a cute little village house in Santorini overlooking the Aegean Sea with a killer sunset view and my own infinity pool.

If you could time travel, where would you go?
I think probably the '90s. I was born in the late '90s, so I think it would be cool to time travel back and see what it would have been like as a 20-something living in the '90s. Of course, I would have to stop by and say "hi" to my toddler self as well.

At a party, where can someone find you?
I am probably sitting outside by myself with a plate full of pizza petting the dog. Or if you're not careful I am sneaking off to go home and put on my PJs and watch Netflix with my dog – a perfect little wonky-eyed Pomeranian, Moose.

What do you hope to accomplish in the new year?
Becoming an occupational therapist! I will be graduating from my program in May 2022 and then studying and taking my boards to become officially official! I also hope my mom and I will finally get to take our trip to Italy that we have been planning since 2019. We were supposed to go in April 2020 but then the pandemic hit so hard. 🙁

To learn more about Josie and connect, visit her profile within our online member community, here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information for the nomination.

Extend the Conversation: Tribal Lessons

Our winter 2021 issue of Forum, which is devoted to the theme of community, includes a story in which Mark Plotkin writes about what he learned about community from villagers along the Amazon. If you missed the essay, you can read it here.

What beneficial lessons have you learned from visiting cultures in other places? Have your travels ever presented eye-opening moments that you might not have picked up on without broadening your horizons?

We’d love to hear from you. Extend the conversation in our online member community Link.

Please note, our online community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in with your Phi Kappa Phi credentials. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

If you are a member but your active membership has expired, click here to renew and regain access to this exclusive benefit.

Up for Discussion: Writing Letters

As we prepare the summer edition of the Phi Kappa Phi Forum, we're asking members to contribute their ideas to the theme. We enjoy reading your responses and will be choosing a sample to share in the magazine.

For 2022, each edition of Forum will center on a different theme beginning with reading, then continuing with writing, conversation and the art of speech. We welcome your feedback.

Although few people send handwritten letters anymore, they can still have a big impact. What's the most meaningful personal letter you ever received? For Forum editor Danny Heitman, it was a small note of encouragement when starting college.

Share your response to our question by replying to this discussion in our online member community Link. Responses of no more than three or four sentences are recommended, and we look forward to reading your contributions. We'll publish some of your answers in the "Up for Discussion" feature of our summer magazine.

The community is available to active members only, and you will be required to log in with your Phi Kappa Phi credentials. For login assistance, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Not active? Click here to renew your membership and gain access to this exclusive benefit.

Our Top Tips to Make Your Award Application Shine

Are you ready to apply for your share of the more than $1 million Phi Kappa Phi's awards program distributes to students and professionals each year? Make sure you're ready to submit the best application possible to come out on top. From a $500 Love of Learning Award to a $35,000 Fellowship, choose the award that is right for you and follow these steps to ensure success.

Make Sure You Are Eligible – After deciding which award suits your needs, carefully read through the eligibility requirements to make sure you qualify. If the award you're applying for is only available to active Society members, click here to log in and verify that your membership is current.

Take Advantage of Our Resources – At the bottom of each award page you'll find helpful resources to look over before applying. Check the FAQ and supporting documents for additional advice specific to each award. You can also see past award recipients including bios, summaries and even examples of winning applications.

Find Help on Your Campus – Many campuses have scholarship offices that can provide support through the application process. Your local Phi Kappa Phi officers are also a great resource. You can reach out to your chapter's officers to help with your submission even if you are no longer on campus.

It's OK to Brag – Each applicant is unique, and our awards committees want to know what makes you special. Share your own story, passions and goals, as well as the successes you've already achieved. Don't forget to look to the future, too. What do you hope this award will help you accomplish? We want to know!

Carefully Choose Endorsements – Letters of recommendation are vitally important so choose your mentors wisely. Keep them fully informed on what you are applying for and what information they will need to share. Connect with them early and check in regularly to make sure their letters get submitted on time.

Watch For Deadlines – Each award has its own deadline so double check to stay on track. If you are applying for a Fellowship, your local chapter will have its own deadline for receiving submissions before they choose which one to submit to the national competition. Click here to get contact information for your chapter to determine their Fellowship deadline.

Click here to learn about all of our awards and get started today. Questions? Contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 221.

Phi Kappa Phi Career Center: New Year, New Career

Kick start the new year with a new career opportunity! Take the first step and update your résumé within the Phi Kappa Phi Career Center.

Here are five reasons why you should update your résumé even if you're not actively looking for a job:

1. Highlight Your Achievements – When you're in the thick of day-to-day work, it's easy to forget how far you've come and in which areas you've developed. Listing out new skills or big accomplishments allows you to see your professional growth.

2. Understand What Makes You Happy – Look at the different experiences you've had in your career and think about what makes you thrive. Do you like a fast-paced environment, working on a team or independently? What is the work culture like? This helps you understand what to look for when searching for that next opportunity.

3. Recognize Your Strengths – The more you work on your strengths, the happier and more productive you will be in your career. Reviewing your résumé allows you to reflect on your strengths so you can find an opportunity that allows you to shine.

4. Review Your Résumé at a High Level – Looking at your résumé like a blueprint allows you to see where you'd like to go in your career path. Do you have the skills and experience needed to advance your career? What is the next step to reach that goal?

5. You Will Always Be Ready for That Next Opportunity – Even if you are a passive job seeker, having your résumé updated might allow that perfect opportunity to find you. Employers search the Phi Kappa Phi Career Center résumé bank, so don't let them glance over you because your résumé is outdated.

Whether or not you're currently looking for a job, start the New Year with a new or updated résumé. Visit Careers.PhiKappaPhi.org to get started today!

Click here to learn more about all the Phi Kappa Phi career resources available to active Phi Kappa Phi members. Not active? Renew today!

Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Award Deadline is Feb. 1

Phi Kappa Phi is seeking nominations for its most prestigious, biennial awards – the Scholar, Artist, and Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Awards. Do you know a Society member with exemplary records of professional excellence or volunteer service? Nominate them for one of these awards by the Feb. 1 deadline.

Scholar Award – First presented in 1974, this award recognizes excellence in teaching, research and public service.

Artist Award – Launched in 1983, this award recognizes the achievements of those who, in addition to outstanding scholarship, have displayed talents in the arts – creative, graphic, performing, visual and fine arts.

Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award – First presented in 2014, this award honors an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia.

Recipients of each award will receive a recognition citation, life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause of their choice. The three honorees will be recognized at the Society’s 2022 Convention in Orlando, Florida, Aug. 4-6.

Learn about these opportunities, including award criteria, timeline details and previous recipients at www.phikappaphi.org/awards. Questions? Contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

Seven Super Savings as You Head Back to School

A new year, a new semester, a new you! Whether you're headed back to campus or the office, get on track as you start 2022 with exclusive savings from our partners for Phi Kappa Phi active members.

Stock Your Shelves – You can't succeed without the right supplies! Save up to 75% on items for home, office and school when you shop at Office Depot. Plus online orders of more than $50 get free next-day delivery! Print an Office Depot Store Purchasing Card to use in stores or visit OfficeDiscounts.org/PKP to shop online.

Plan Your Days – Get more done and achieve your goals with the right planning system to suit your needs from Franklin Planner. Get a 15% online discount at www.FranklinPlanner.com by using promo code PKPMEMBER at checkout.

Upgrade Your Tech – Don't let old technology slow you down. Upgrade to the latest and greatest and treat yourself with a purchase from Dell, HP or Lenovo. Our members can save up to 50% when you shop for computers, accessories, gaming gear and more.

Protect Your Files – Keep irreplaceable computer files secure and easily accessible through the cloud no matter where you are or what device you're using with a Carbonite subscription. Use promocode PHIKPOFFER10 to sign up at www.Carbonite.com for a free trial or to get a 10% discount on a subscription.

Research Your Work – Get access to the world's leading academic research and unlimited article views with JSTOR. Find the right plan for your needs to ensure the accuracy of your work and save 25% on an annual JPASS subscription plan. Click here to learn more.

Tackle Your Tests – If it's time to prepare for a big test, it's time to let our partners help you make the grade. To save 15% on tutoring and prep courses for the MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE and more, visit www.PrincetonReview.com/PKP today. For our members taking the CPA Exam, check out Becker Professional Education for a variety of study formats and up to $200 in savings on review courses. Visit www.Becker.com/phikappaphipp and select "The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi" in the society drop-down menu on the Affiliations tab when creating an account.

Grab Your Gear – You earned it, show it off! Visit the Phi Kappa Phi online store to find Society-branded apparel, accessories, graduation regalia and more. Start the year off in style plus get free shipping on all orders of $50 or more!

Don't forget, if you are getting your back-to-school shopping done on Amazon, be sure to support Phi Kappa Phi with your purchases. Click here to use our unique AmazonSmile address and a portion of all eligible purchases will be donated to the Society.

Trouble logging in? Visit our FAQ page or email webmaster@phikappaphi.org. Questions about partner discounts? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800-804-9880, ext. 217.

2022 Phi Kappa Phi Awards Now Open

Don't miss your chance to earn a portion of the more than $1 million Phi Kappa Phi awards individuals each year! Applications are now open for the 2022 awards program including Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Awards, Study Abroad Grants, Literacy Grants, Fellowships and Love of Learning Awards.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement through programs that last year recognized more than 425 individuals.

Programs currently accepting applications include:

• Scholar and Artist: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Distinguished Service: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Study Abroad Grants: One hundred twenty-five grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The deadline to apply is March 15.
• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.
• Fellowships: A total of 62 Fellowships are available each year - two at $35,000, six at $20,000 and fifty-four of $8,500 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. The deadline to apply varies by each Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Contact your local chapter for deadline information.
• Love of Learning Awards: Two hundred awards at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.

“The Society's dedication to educational and personal growth throughout one's lifetime is so unique; I feel that as I develop as an individual, there will be a different Phi Kappa Phi program or initiative to involve myself with,” said Alysa Blakeney, Love of Learning recipient.

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions for each program, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

Bradley Newcomer Named Executive Director and CEO of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Bradley Newcomer, dean of the Honors College at James Madison University, has been named executive director and CEO of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, making him the 12th individual to hold the position since 1900.

Newcomer will assume stewardship of the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society on Jan. 18. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the Society as it will be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Bradley Newcomer as the next Executive Director and CEO of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Society President Dan Sandweiss. “Bradley's record of service to the Society, his deep knowledge of higher education trends, his commitment and experience in honors education and his outgoing, collaborative style all make him an ideal addition to Phi Kappa Phi's leadership.” The search committee that fielded candidates for the national board included Sandweiss, President-elect Lora Becker as chair, and Past President Missy Hopper.

Newcomer was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2012 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and most recently served as president of the JMU chapter. He will take over for Acting Executive Director Traci Navarre, who has been serving in that capacity since Mary Todd retired in May 2021 after nearly 9 years of service, while continuing her long-standing role as chief operating officer.

As executive director and CEO, Newcomer will work with the Society’s board of directors to develop a strategic plan for Phi Kappa Phi that supports its mission “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” He also will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Phi Kappa Phi national office and participate in field activities such as campus visits and chapter installations.

Newcomer, who was appointed following a six-month national search, said, “Since its founding almost 125 years ago, Phi Kappa Phi has created a tradition of recognizing academic excellence across all disciplines and service to others. It is my great honor to join the Society’s board and national office staff as executive director and CEO. Together, we will work with all of our partners to uphold and expand upon the traditions that are the heart of Phi Kappa Phi.”

While at JMU, Newcomer directed the process of establishing the Honors College. He formulated and initiated a strategic plan, led the revision of curricula and creation of a portfolio-based Honors Capstone Project pathway, transformed operations to assist strategic investments and increased the total endowment funds of the College. Under his leadership, the College’s enrollment grew almost 60 percent and was recognized by the Fulbright Program as a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students for consecutive years.

Before joining JMU in 2015, Newcomer served for 18 years at UAB in a variety of positions.

Newcomer earned a bachelor of science in physics from Juniata College, a master of physics and Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Wright State University and a master of business administration from UAB.

Update Your Profile and Never Miss Out

Whether you joined Phi Kappa Phi three months ago or three decades ago, your personal information may have changed since that time. You may have moved, changed names, updated your email address, or earned a new degree. Be sure to keep your account up to date so that you never miss Society news, offers and announcements.

Why should you update your profile?

Get Your Society Mail and Email: From the moment you join, we have important items to send your way. Most are sent via email, such as the monthly Focus member newsletter. Some may make their way to your physical address, such as the quarterly Forum magazine and your member ID card. Make sure your mailing and email address are updated after any change.

Access Exclusive Benefits: Keeping your membership current is the key to never missing out on member-only offers and benefits. Update your information as needed so you never miss a membership renewal reminder and stay informed about your exclusive benefits.

Apply for Awards: Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million annually to members at every point in their academic and professional career. Make sure your contact information is accurate so that you are informed of any awards for which you qualify.

Participate at a National Level: There are several ways to engage with the Society through volunteer committee service or writing for the Forum magazine. Visit the Participation Preferences tab in your profile to let us know if you would like to be considered for these opportunities.

Network with Your Peers: In addition to the Phi Kappa Phi website, make sure to check your profile in our exclusive members-only community so that your peers can find you! Take advantage of this secure platform to chat, connect, ask questions and even network for school and work. Visit Link.PhiKappaPhi.org/Profile to update your profile today.

To update your profile, visit Members.PhiKappaPhi.org/Profile and log in using your Phi Kappa Phi credentials.

Trouble logging in? Visit our FAQ page or email webmaster@phikappaphi.org for assistance.