MGCCC inducts eight incarcerated students into PTK chapter

Eight incarcerated students were inducted into Phi Theta Kappa during the inaugural induction ceremony for Beta Tau Eta Chapter through Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s training program at the George County Regional Correctional Facility on July 17.

The students are enrolled in MGCCC’s Construction and Residential Maintenance program, which leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa recognizes their academic achievement and provides scholarship opportunities as they continue their education after MGCCC.

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa provides students with scholarship opportunities as they pursue bachelor’s degrees after completing their studies at MGCCC.

Guest speaker Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, spoke about the significance of establishing a chapter within a correctional facility. She said Phi Theta Kappa membership recognizes students’ academic excellence while providing encouragement, opportunity and hope as they continue their educational journeys. She also emphasized that earning a college education has a positive impact not only on the students themselves, but also on their families and the communities they will one day return to.

During his closing remarks, Dr. Brad Bailey, vice president of the Perkinston Campus and George County Center, congratulated the students on their achievement and encouraged them to continue pursuing academic excellence. He noted that their induction into Phi Theta Kappa reflects the hard work, perseverance and determination they have demonstrated in reaching this milestone.

“Today marks more than your induction into an honor society,” he said. “It represents your commitment to excellence and your belief that education can change the course of your future. We are proud of what you have accomplished, and we look forward to seeing the opportunities that will come from the dedication and perseverance you have demonstrated.”