Gadsden, AL – Two students from Gadsden State Community College and their chapter advisor recently attended PTK Catalyst, the annual convention for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, held April 3-5 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Missouri.
Collins Davis, president of Gadsden State’s Rho Rho Chapter; Dalton Chestnut, chapter vice president; and Melissa Davis, chapter advisor, joined honor students from across the country for the event, which is PTK’s premier gathering of student scholars, leaders and educators.
“PTK Catalyst brings together top academic minds, inspiring keynote speakers and future leaders,” said advisor Melissa Davis. “It’s an annual gathering of honor students from community colleges across the nation. It’s a valuable networking experience.”
Throughout the three-day convention, students participated in leadership workshops, connected with representatives from four-year universities, and learned more about PTK’s programs, scholarships, and service opportunities. Business professionals and transfer recruiters were on hand to provide insights into academic and career pathways.
This year’s lineup of keynote speakers included actor and musician Steve Burns, widely known for his role on Blue’s Clues; Miguel Cervantes, acclaimed for his role as Alexander Hamilton in the Broadway production Hamilton; and Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gymnast and author.
During the event, Collins Davis, a general studies student from Southside, was honored as a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. He reflected on the impact of the experience.
“The experience was incredibly inspiring,” he said. “The chance to hear from such remarkable speakers was motivational. I am also looking forward to applying the skills and knowledge I gained at the convention to help our chapter grow and serve our college community more effectively.”
Dalton Chestnut, a general studies major from Centre, also expressed how meaningful the convention was for his personal and professional development.
“Being able to meet potential employers and learn about various scholarships was a huge highlight for me,” Chestnut said. “I’ve learned so much about leadership and networking from connecting with other PTK members. It’s been an invaluable experience.”
Advisor Davis praised both students for their engagement and enthusiasm throughout the event.
“Seeing Collins and Dalton interact with their peers and learn from such inspiring individuals has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “PTK is not just about academic excellence. It’s about fostering leadership, service and personal growth. I’m so proud of how our chapter continues to evolve.”
President Davis said he is eager to share what he learned at PTK Catalyst with fellow members at Gadsden State.
“Being a part of PTK has been a highlight of my collegiate career so far,” he said. “The organization empowers us to further our academic and professional pursuits. I encourage everyone who qualifies to become a PTK member to join. You won’t regret it.”
Gadsden State’s Rho Rho Chapter will induct new members at 5:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus.
