Members of Alpha Mu Chi, Northeast Texas Community College’s award-winning, five-star chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, recently traveled to Bryan, Texas, to attend the Texas Leadership Conference held on the Texas A&M RELLIS campus. Out of more than three hundred attendees from across the state, the NTCC delegation stood out immediately in custom tan shirts designed by chapter president Sky Bass, a coordinated look that even drew praise from one of the event’s keynote speakers.
Throughout the conference, students immersed themselves in inspiring general sessions led by an exceptional lineup of featured speakers. Dean Chris Marrs, Executive Dean at Blinn College’s Texas A&M RELLIS campus and a 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, opened the gathering with his address, "Balancing Confidence & Humility: Building Authentic Teams." Attendees also heard a Headquarters Update from PTK International President José Fuentes (who is also a student at NTCC), explored community building during "The Art of Belonging" with Oberlin College Assistant Dean of Student Success Kipp Colvin, gained practical inspiration from Jaclyn Gallo’s keynote "Get Your Hopes Up," and received powerful insights from former PTK International President and U.S. Congressional staffer Tala Alahmar. Reflecting on the presentations, Sky Bass shared that she loved the focus on belonging and leadership, noting that her favorite takeaway came from a speaker citing Dr. Robert Hogan’s principle that leadership evolved as a resource for the group rather than as a source of privilege.
Beyond attending sessions, Alpha Mu Chi took an active leadership role at the conference by hosting a marketplace booth to raise funds and presenting an original interactive workshop titled “Beyond the Bake Sale: Fresh Ideas for Fundraising.” The trip also served as a special reunion for NTCC leadership, bringing together three former Texas Regional District III Vice Presidents (pictured together): Isaac Burris, who supports the Texas Region Leadership Team managing conference audio-visual production; José Fuentes, who now leads the society worldwide as International President; and Cade Bennett, who currently serves on campus as NTCC Honors Coordinator.
Cade Bennett remarked that hearing the stories of hardship and triumph from so many wonderful speakers was a great gift, highlighting the value of prioritizing grace over ridicule, mastering the art of overcoming rejection, and discovering how hope equips people to face the shortcomings of life.
During the Conference held in the Bryan-College Station area, the students toured the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library on the main Texas A&M campus. The group explored exhibits detailing President Bush’s service in World War II and the end of the Cold War, examined an authentic slab of the Berlin Wall, and took memorable photos sitting inside the replica Oval Office.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the Walter B. Cooper Scholarship, and the chapter was thrilled to celebrate Chapter Vice President Stephany Fuentes as a $1,500 recipient.
Lead chapter advisor Dr. Melissa Fulgham commended the students for their preparation, enthusiasm, and teamwork across every aspect of the weekend. She noted how rewarding it was to watch them bond, share laughter, run their marketplace table, and deliver their fundraising presentation with confidence and polish. It was also a delight for everyone to celebrate Stephany’s scholarship win.
Through their active participation and community engagement, the members of Alpha Mu Chi once again represented Northeast Texas Community College with distinction, continuing to uphold the college's proud tradition of student excellence.
