Robert Barber, Dr. James Catanzaro and Derek Dameron
Two Chattanooga State students were recognized among 26 of the state’s highest achieving community college students at the 18th Annual Celebration of the All-Tennessee Academic Team sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. During the ceremony in Nashville, State Senator Bo Watson and Chattanooga State President James L. Catanzaro awarded medallions to Chattanooga State students Derek Dameron and Robert Barber.
The All-Tennessee Academic Team consists of students nominated by their colleges who will be considered for the All-USA Academic Team sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Each two-year college in Tennessee may nominate two outstanding students per campus. Students are selected in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community.
Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, PTK provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service, creates an intellectual climate allowing exchange of ideas and ideals, promotes lively fellowship for scholars, and fosters stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. Mr. Barber holds the position as vice president of leadership in the Alpha Beta Mu chapter of PTK while Mr. Dameron serves as current Student Government Association president.
Both men were recipients of scholarships from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and plan to complete their bachelor degrees at UTC. As a mass communication major, Mr. Dameron is gaining experience in his field by working with the staff in the Center for Distributed Education using various types of editing software. Mr. Barber is a computer science major with a background in Internet security and a minor in math who often tutors in the math lab.
“Robert and I were the first ones to be awarded and to me, it was symbolic reminder of how ChattState tries to lead our state and set the standard in everything we do. I hope every student that comes to our campus catches that same spirit and motivation that our school does its best to embody,” said Mr. Dameron.
Shares Mr. Barber, “During the ceremony, Dr. Catanzaro and Senator Watson bestowed upon Derek and me a Proclamation from the Tennessee State House of Representatives and awarded us with the Certificate for the All-State Academic Team. It was an honor to be recognized for our hard work.”
For more information about Phi Theta Kappa visit www.chattanoogastate.edu. Advisors to contact include Rachael Falu, 697.2412, rachael.falu@chattanoogastate.edu or Garrett Bouldin, 697.2512, garrett.bouldin@chattanoogastate.edu.