Linda McFate, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor at Coffeyville Community College, was one of 100 chapter advisors participating in a two-day Advisor Institute, September 12-13, in Irving, Texas.  The event was held at the Sheraton DFW Hotel and featured a concentrated two days on The Phi Theta Kappa Experience for Maximizing Student Success.  The opening plenary session featured presentations on The Phi Theta Kappa Experience for Advisors by Courtney Lange and Advisor’s Role as Coach by Monica Byrd and Susan Edwards.  Breakout sessions featured “A Year in the Life of a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter” and “Membership Benefits:  The Phi Theta Kappa Experience.”  Additional presenters included Jennifer Stanford, Jennifer Blalock, Dawneen Banks, Fredrica Packnett, Mia Rames-Shirley, Paige Still, and Melissa Price.  Presenters were staff members representing international Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi.

An institute highlight was a special panel discussion on the topic “Engaging Campus-Wide Phi Theta Kappa Support:  Connecting with Your Campus Administrators through Communicating the Value of Phi Theta Kappa,” Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner served as moderator for the distinguished panel that included:  Dr. Jeremy McMillen, President of Grayson College; Dr. Jennifer Wimbish, President of Cedar Valley College; Dr. Tommy Thompson, Chapter Advisor at Cedar Valley College; and Gigi Delk, Chapter Advisor at Tyler Junior College.  Saturday’s program featured breakout sessions on Phi Theta Kappa Programs such as the College Project and Honors in Action Project.  The institute was sponsored by Strayer University, Texas A&M University, Texas Woman’s University and University of North Texas.  Also attending the institute were southern district advisors Tammy Fuentez, Labette Community College; Charles Babb, Neosho County Community College, and Christine Baker, Butler Community College.