Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapters are earning recognition at every level, bringing home an impressive list of honors from both the regional and national stages this spring.

At Catalyst 2026, held March 26–28, 2026, in Baltimore, the Pi Epsilon Chapter at MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus received multiple prestigious awards, standing out among more than 1,100 chapters worldwide.

Pi Epsilon earned the Distinguished Chapter Award, placing it among just 36 chapters nationwide to receive this elite honor, and was also recognized as a Top 100 Chapter. These distinctions highlight the chapter’s excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

Individual achievements were also recognized at the international level. Advisor Karen Scott received the Paragon Award for New Advisors, one of the organization’s highest honors for emerging advisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to student success. Additionally, Dr. Kollin Napier, director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), was named to the Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing his continued professional success and lasting impact as a Phi Theta Kappa member.

Earlier in the month, two other MGCCC chapters delivered an outstanding performance at the PTK Mississippi/Louisiana Regional Conference, held March 5–6, 2026, in Starkville.

The Omicron Alpha Chapter at the Harrison County Campus earned numerous individual and chapter honors. Kai Cabrera was elected MS/LA Regional President, while Conner Smith was named a Golden Key Scholar and Mya Carmen was recognized as a Distinguished Chapter Member. As a chapter, Omicron Alpha was named a 5-Star Chapter, placed fourth in the College Project category, third in Honors in Action Theme 4, and ranked 10th overall as a Distinguished Chapter in the region.

At the Perkinston Campus, the Gamma Nu Chapter also achieved significant success. Amanda Gonzales Ponce was inducted into the Order of the Golden Key, and the chapter was elected to regional office, with a member set to serve as the MS/LA Region’s reporter. Advisor Zachary Dozier received the Horizon Award for new advisors, and the chapter’s College Project placed sixth among all chapters in Mississippi and Louisiana. Gamma Nu was also recognized as a 5-Star Chapter.

In addition to their wins on the national stage, the Jackson County Campus Pi Epsilon Chapter also earned significant recognition at the Mississippi/Louisiana Regional Conference. Their awards included first place for College Project, sixth place for Honors in Action, Fourth Place Most Distinguished Chapter, and Honors Study Topic Theme Two Award. Individual awards include Abigael Matías-Medina, Golden Key Award, and Morgan Marshall, Distinguished Chapter Officer.

Together, these accomplishments reflect the strength and impact of Phi Theta Kappa at MGCCC and the commitment MGCCC has to academic excellence, providing opportunities for meaningful service, and leadership training.