Karen Dale, Associate Professor of Music, at Cleveland State Community College, was selected to serve as a Phi Theta Kappa’s 2016/2017 Faculty Scholar. Dale was among thirty community college instructors selected from among nearly 3,000 chapter advisors.
The scholars were selected through a rigorous application process through which they demonstrated excellence in teaching or administration. The selection committee also considered where the applicant lives, the Phi Theta Kappa division in which they advise, the teaching or professional discipline and the variety in terms of the number of years the applicant has served as a chapter advisor.
The result is a strong, diverse group of Faculty Scholars.
“We congratulate them for being selected to serve and for their willingness and desire to surpass the traditional duties of an advisor by contributing in this manner,” said Susan Edwards, Phi Theta Kappa’s Dean of Academic Affairs and Honors Programs.
The group will attend the annual Faculty Scholar Conference at Phi Theta Kappa’s Center for Excellence in Jackson, Mississippi, January 27-30, where they will study the 2016/2017 Honors Study Topic and prepare to serve as discussion facilitators for the 2016 Honors Institute at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The group will also serve as Faculty Scholars for the 2017 Honors Institute.
“The Faculty Scholar Conference is recognized internationally as one of the finest professional development programs available for community college faculty members,” Edwards said. “We are proud to once again offer this intense training experience to a new crop of Faculty Scholars as they prepare to serve as facilitators for Honors Institute.”
“Approximately 450 Phi Theta Kappa members and chapter advisors from around the world will join us at Wake Forest University for Honors Institute next year, and our Faculty Scholars will be ready to guide them through this pinnacle of honors programming experiences.”
During Honors Institute, the Faculty Scholars will lead groups of 15 to 18 honor students in seminar discussions of the issues presented by experts on the Honors Study Topic throughout the week.
Dale was also chosen as the 2016/2017 Parnell Scholar. This scholarship goes to the Faculty Scholar whose application was judged to be the most outstanding among the applicants who have never before participated in NerdNation or Honors Institute. The scholarship covers registration, airfare and hotel for NerdNation 2016.
“We at Cleveland State all know Karen Dale as an outstanding faculty member, dedicated to challenging every student academically and personally to stretch for the highest level of achievement and providing genuine, positive support and encouragement so critical to their success,” stated Dr. Denise King, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “She will bring great energy and enthusiasm to the PTK national Honor's Institute. Karen also holds herself to high standards of ongoing scholarship and engagement, and we celebrate that PTK recognizes her achievement by naming her Parnell Scholar for 2016-17.”
Ms. Dale stated, “To be selected as a Faculty Scholar from the large pool of international applications, and then to be awarded the Parnell Scholarship, has been the greatest honor I’ve had in quite a while, second only to the words of thanks from students and alumni regarding their experience in my classes. Helping students to find their path and succeed, many of whom face great challenges along the journey, is the reason why teachers work so hard and continue with their own lifelong learning, such as this Faculty Scholars Program.”
Ms. Dale continued, “I was president of the Delta Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa during my sophomore year at Brevard College. Our chapter adviser, Sally Beard, went well beyond the role of adviser to encourage and motivate us as student leaders. She was a role model to us all. We took a bus load of students, including many foreign exchange students, to the International Conference and won the Outstanding Chapter award and many other group and individual recognitions. I am excited to once again be part of this organization designed to honor and encourage student success, hard work and creativity.”