Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 5, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recently honored at the Ohio Region Awards Convention on March 27. Sigma Omega was presented with eight individual and chapter-wide awards during the ceremony.

Chapter honors included the Catch a Shining Star Award for its regional engagement. Sigma Omega was also recognized as a Three Star Chapter for building a strong and engaged group, conveying excellence in achieving goals.

Sigma Omega chapter officers Fallyn Buffington (President), Allison Ezell (Vice President) and Serena Graham (Secretary) were recognized with the Order of the Torch award. These students were nominated by a chapter advisor as the most distinguished officer team.

Buffington and Ezell were also inducted as the new Eastern District Representative and President for the Ohio Region of Phi Theta Kappa, respectively.

“I am so proud of this group of students and their accomplishments,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor. “Becoming members of the Ohio Region has allowed us to become so much more involved on a regional level with Phi Theta Kappa.”

Butler herself won the Horizon Award for Advisors for her demonstration of teamwork, leadership, engagement and enthusiasm for the Society’s Hallmarks. Chapter Advisor Andrew Walker received the Advising Milestone Award for his five years of service.

Chapter member Jared Smith was announced as an All-USA Academic Team member. He was one of 20 students chosen from more than 2,000 nominations and awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Smith also was announced as a West Virginia and national New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, an outstanding workforce-bound student, and awarded a $2,250 scholarship. He is also being recognized as an All-West Virginia Academic Team member.

“I joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student at East Central Junior College in 1983. It changed my life,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “It is still changing the lives of students today, and I could not be prouder of our Phi Theta Kappa at WVU Parkersburg and their advisors. Their leadership lights the path for others to follow.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of college students. The Society is represented on nearly 1,300 community colleges across 11 nations. Phi Theta Kappa also helps students grow as scholars and leaders through skill development, scholarships and more.

Membership to Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and extended to students meeting specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed at least 12 credit hours of associate degree coursework.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter, contact advisors Marie Butler (mbutler1@wvup.edu), Andrew Rochus (arochus1@wvup.edu) or Andrew Walker (wwalker1@wvup.edu).