NEWS RELEASE – For immediate release
Date: February 1, 2024
Contact: Makayla Steede
Email: press@ptk.org

Nine College Presidents to Receive Bennet Lifetime Achievement Awards

Jackson, MS – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize nine retiring college presidents and chancellors with the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award during PTK Catalyst 2024, the Society’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, April 4-6, 2024. 

These awards are given to retiring college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus. Recipients are nominated by the students on their campus. 

“These college leaders have made student success a priority throughout their career,” says Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them, both inside and outside the classroom.” 

The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Michael Bennett, longtime president of St. Petersburg College in Florida. 

The 2024 recipients are: 

Dr. Michele Haney 

Red Rocks Community College

Colorado 

Dr. David Devier

Glen Oaks Community College

Michigan

Dr. Kathrine Swanson 

Metropolitan Community College 

Missouri 

Dr. Ronald Rhames 

Midlands Technical College 

South Carolina 

Dr. Pamela Anglin 

Paris Junior College 

Texas 

Dr. Richard Rhodes 

Austin Community College 

Texas 

Dr. Steven Schulz 

North Iowa Area Community College 

Iowa 

Dr. William “Bill” Coppola 

Tarrant County College 

Texas 

Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy 

Solano Community College 

California 

About Phi Theta Kappa
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 Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.