Mary S. Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has been appointed to the International Board of Directors for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK).

“I am honored to serve Phi Theta Kappa in this expanded capacity,” Graham said. “The Society plays a critical role in recognizing excellence and supporting opportunity for community college students. I look forward to working with the Board to help guide its mission and future impact.”

A nationally respected leader in community college education, Graham brings extensive executive experience and a strong record of advancing student success to PTK’s governing board. Her appointment reflects both her long-standing service to the Society and the confidence placed in her leadership at the national level.

For the past six years, Graham has served on Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidential Advisory Board as Mississippi’s representative, providing operational insight and guidance to support community college students statewide. As a member of the Board of Directors, her role will expand to include strategic governance responsibilities, helping guide the Society’s long-term vision, policy alignment, financial stewardship, and organizational sustainability at the national and international levels.

As president of MGCCC, Graham has led initiatives that strengthen workforce alignment, expand academic excellence, and create clear pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. Her leadership reinforces the essential connection between community colleges, regional economic growth, and expanded opportunity. Nationally, she has served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Community Colleges and previously chaired the AACC Board, contributing to sector-wide initiatives focused on institutional effectiveness, advocacy, workforce development, and student success.

Graham is also a recipient of PTK’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the Society’s highest honor for community college presidents. Nominated by students, the award recognizes presidents who demonstrate extraordinary and sustained commitment to student success and academic excellence.

“Dr. Graham has been a trusted voice in Phi Theta Kappa’s work for many years, and her appointment to the Board reflects the strategic importance of her leadership,” said George Boggs, chair of the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors. “Her experience will be invaluable as the Board guides the Society’s future.”

Phi Theta Kappa’s Board of Directors includes presidents, students, alumni, advisors, and regional coordinators who collectively guide the organization’s mission and future. Graham’s appointment further elevates MGCCC’s national leadership presence and underscores the college’s commitment to excellence in student achievement and opportunity.