Eight members of Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, attended the 2025 Texas Leadership Conference held on the campus of Temple College. The conference, held in the recently completed Main Building, had 384 attendees from throughout the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa. NTCC’s José Fuentes, the District III Vice President, helped plan the conference, writing session scripts and confirming presenters. He and the other members of the PTK Texas Region leadership team put together an exciting, informative, and empowering three-day conference.
José Fuentes had the honor of introducing the keynote speaker at the first general session - Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, who gave a deeply informative and thought-provoking session on tips for using AI. Her session included information on what to do before using AI, then explored various AI tools and their strengths, such as the best for research, convenience, graphics, and working with data. In addition to discussing the need to write first, then turn to AI, she provided sample prompts and provided real-time examples of best practices with AI. The chapter was delighted to later be able to later get a picture with the President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
The second general session included an exciting and humorous presentation by Will Bess, a military veteran, former probation officer, and graduate of the Federal Leadership Development Program. His presentation on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution provided attendees with practical tools to enhance their leadership skills.
The third general session encouraged attendees to push through fear. Author Connie Phelan, of Fire Power Seminars, taught everyone how to break barriers, self-limiting and literal ones. By the end of the session everyone was excited to have learned something that martial artists train for – breaking boards. Although it took some chapter members more than one try to believe and accomplish the task, all attendees were excited to have done something that had seemed impossible earlier that day.
The fourth general session was a story-telling session showcasing nineteen different cultures, presented by Phi Theta Kappa members from throughout the Texas region. The fifth general session, presented by motivational speaker Matt Kovatchis, explored the importance of mental health as leaders.
After each general session attendees met in small breakout groups, enabling members to network and make new friends from throughout the region, while thoughtfully discussing the material presented. NTCC partnered with Paris Junior College in presenting a workshop on PTK 101 and the Five Star Chapter Plan. Fellowship opportunities each night included stuff-a-plush, card games, karaoke, and a costume contest. At the end of the conference, the Walter B Cooper Scholarship winners were announced. NTCC had two winners: Araceli Landaverde and Sarah Hamlin.
“Learning applicable leadership skills, developing self-confidence, making friends, bonding and laughing with others – Phi Theta Kappa’s Texas Leadership Conference was an incredible experience for the members who attended. I was delighted to see them laughing, bonding, and coming away with practical learning experiences. The sheer joy of seeing everyone eventually break their boards in the third general session is something that I will remember for years to come, and they will as well!” commented lead advisor Dr. Melissa Fulgham. “Phi Theta Kappa conferences provide wonderful leadership and networking opportunities, and I love seeing how excited everyone is at those conferences.”
The Texas Region coordinates scholar and leader training, scholarships, and recognitions for members of chapters of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Texas two year higher education institutions.
