DALLAS—Thom D. Chesney, Ph. D., president of Brookhaven College, has been selected to receive the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's most prestigious award for sitting college presidents. He will accept the award during PTK Catalyst 2018, the organization's international convention, April 19-21 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Additionally, Dr. Chesney will be inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for Distinguished College Administrators for the PTK Texas Region for his outstanding support of PTK.
Chesney was nominated for the awards by the students in the Brookhaven College Alpha Delta Pi chapter.
"It is particularly humbling to be recognized by Brookhaven College students for supporting their academic success and committed service to their peers and our community," Chesney said.
Rebekah Benavides, PTK advisor for Brookhaven College, said Dr. Chesney advocates for PTK and all student organizations on campus. "He is open, accessible and engaging with students. That really personalizes the experience for them."
The award nominations note that student success is central to Dr. Chesney's mission as the college president. Also, that he understands the importance of working with community partners to create opportunities for students to build their skills and be successful in the workforce.
"I learn as much or more from the students as they do from me. So, I accept this recognition with them because my work is nothing without them," Chesney said.
Brookhaven College is a PTK Texas Top Chapter and recipient of the Honors in Action and College Project Participation Award.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has 1,285 chapters in the United States and throughout the world. In addition to recognizing academic achievements of college students, PTK provides opportunities for individual growth through leadership, service and fellowship according to the organization's website.