April 8, 2022
East Texas Baptist University was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2022 Transfer Honor Roll. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an honor society for two-year colleges, recognizes the importance of institutional commitment and investment of resources to support transfer students. The PTK Transfer Honor Roll acknowledges excellence and success in transfer pathway development.
“The Transfer Honor Roll is determined by metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer, admission practices, and bachelor’s degree completion,” ETBU Vice President for Enrollment Jeremy Johnston said. “The college that a student chooses to attend plays a defining role in what they believe, how they think, and who they become. ETBU is a Christ-centered university characterized by close community, excellent teaching, and robust student engagement, and our admissions team goes above and beyond to connect with PTK members that we know will transition well into our campus community.”
The Transfer Honor Roll was based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse, and on data submitted through the four-year institution’s profile on PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways. East Texas Baptist was one of only 171 colleges and universities across the nation named to the 2022 Transfer Honor Roll.
“This award is so important because it is based on what students tell us they need from their transfer experience,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “We are honored to recognize the colleges and universities working exceptionally hard to create stronger pathways to bachelor’s degree completion for all students.”
Spotlighted at the 2022 American Council on Education (ACE) conference, the Transfer Honor Roll recognizes the importance of creating strong transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students. A significant barrier often faced by students who are transferring to a four-year institution is financial aid. On average, 84% of PTK transfer students receive merit-based financial aid. To help ease the transition to a four-year university, ETBU offers an $11,000 scholarship each year to every Phi Theta Kappa transfer student.
“My affiliation with PTK helped me achieve my goal of attending ETBU financially,” ETBU junior nursing major Gracyn Cunningham said. “After graduating from my junior college in South Florida, I was looking for a college that had an excellent nursing program and helpful staff. I had heard of ETBU through friends but never considered attending until I visited campus. The transfer admission staff was there every step of the way and answered any questions I had. I felt so welcomed and comfortable with continuing my education here. This program allowed me to join this wonderful school that has helped me not only grow my education in nursing, but also in my walk with Christ.”
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.