Gadsden, AL – Two members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Gadsden State Community College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to community service. Collins Davis and Chase Lopas were recently named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Alabama Academic Team, a prestigious honor that highlights the best and brightest students from Alabama’s community colleges.
Davis and Lopas were among the top students nominated by faculty and selected through a competitive review process. Eligibility requirements for the All-Alabama Academic Team include maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA, completing at least 12 credit hours at the nominating college, and actively participating in campus and community activities. Each community college in the state may nominate two students annually. Both recipients received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievement.
Collins Davis, a Southside native, will graduate in May with an associate degree in general studies. He began his academic journey at Gadsden State as a dual enrollment student and currently serves as president of the Rho Rho Chapter of PTK.
“I’m glad that I made the decision to enroll at Gadsden State,” Davis said. “I knew it would open doors for me to achieve my goals and aspirations.”
Davis described being named to the All-Alabama Academic Team as a surreal and joyful experience.
“Being named one of the top students in the state was a huge honor,” he said. “Receiving this award gave me a sense of accomplishment for the hard work I put in this year towards my academics and my career goals.”
In addition to his selection to the All-Alabama Academic Team, Davis was recently recognized as a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar at the national PTK Catalyst convention.
“The experience has been incredibly inspiring,” he said of his time as chapter president and attending the convention.
Chase Lopas, a Gadsden resident, came to Gadsden State after completing his GED through homeschooling. Initially uncertain about his future, he found his passion after enrolling at the college.
“I did not have goals, dreams or aspirations,” Lopas said. “But, after enrolling at Gadsden State, I fell in love with the psychological field.”
Since then, Lopas has thrived academically and professionally, serving as a tutor in the Cardinal Tutoring Center and working closely with 18 international students to improve their English language skills. His accomplishments include receiving the Student of Distinction Award and being published in the Cardinal Arts Journal.
Lopas is set to graduate in May with an associate degree in general studies. He plans to continue his education at the Leiden, Netherlands, campus of Webster University, pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychological counseling.
“College has given me the necessary knowledge I need in the realm of psychology,” he said. “It also gives me the opportunity to connect and network with other individuals with the same mindset as myself.”
Both students exemplify the academic excellence and community engagement that the All-Alabama Academic Team seeks to honor.
For more information about PTK and student activities at Gadsden State, visit www.GadsdenState.edu.
