KC president receives Phi Theta Kappa award

Dr. William Holda, president of Kilgore College, received the 2005 Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction from Phi Theta Kappa International Society of the Two-Year College.

Holda received the award at PTK’s recent international convention in Dallas. Rod Risley, PTK executive director, and Dr. Shirley Gordon, society board chairman and the award’s namesake, mad the presentation.

The 30-year KC employee, serving in his ninth as president, was recognized for his outstanding support of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at KC, as well as his efforts to promote the society both in Texas and internationally.

Nick Holda, son of the honoree and officer of KC’s PTK chapter, added a trace of nostalgia to the ceremony, delivering a videotaped tribute to his father at a luncheon honoring him and other participants.

“Dr. Holda embraces the Kilgore College motto, ‘Emphasis Excellence,’ and considers academic excellence a top priority,” said the younger Holda. He speaks at almost every new-member orientation and induction ceremony, always utilizing Phi Theta Kappa’s honors study topic in his presentations.

“He has also supported performances of the Kilgore College Rangerettes at previous international conventions held in Texas and the publication of a special newsletter for international convention attendees.”

Holda also demonstrated his support of the local PTK chapter by providing an on-campus office, scholarships and financial support in addition to special recognition to organization members at graduation ceremonies.

PTK includes more than 1,200 chapters at community colleges in each U.S. state, Canada, German and U.S. territories. Approximately 100,000 students are inducted annually.


Kilgore College
Public Information Office
Contact: Chris Moore
(903) 983-8181
cmoore@kilgore.edu