PTK Expands Student Opportunities at LSCO
May 4, 2026
ORANGE, TX – Students at Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) involved in Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Nu Gamma chapter are finding benefits that extend beyond academic recognition, including personal growth, transfer opportunities, and exposure to experiences outside the classroom.
The international honor society for two-year colleges connects high-achieving students with opportunities that strengthen both academic and professional pathways. At LSCO, advisors say the chapter helps students build confidence, form meaningful connections across campus, and access opportunities they may not have otherwise encountered.
Byron Lumpkin, English instructor and PTK advisor, emphasized how participation helps students broaden their perspective through shared experience and exposure to new environments.
“It's a big jump from high school to college,” Lumpkin said. “To be part of an honor society at a college, I think it just brings that level up more, and they're able to be with each other with shared, like-mindedness and goals.”
For many students, PTK also provides opportunities beyond the local campus, including regional and national conferences where they engage with peers from across the country and beyond. Advisors note these experiences are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have the chance to travel or experience different regions and cultures.
Jessica Williams, English instructor and PTK advisor, said the organization helps expand opportunities for students who may not have previously seen themselves represented in academic spaces.
“It opens up doors for maybe people who've been overlooked at times,” Williams said, adding that those opportunities often extend beyond the classroom through travel, networking and academic support.
PTK membership can also support transfer pathways, including scholarship opportunities at four-year institutions. Advisors say students benefit from the organization’s structure as they prepare applications, build resumes and transition into new academic settings.
Williams added that PTK connects students with peers across different programs, helping them build relationships that expand their understanding of campus life and future career options.
Beyond academics, advisors say the chapter helps students recognize their potential in new ways, particularly those who may not have previously seen themselves as leaders or highly involved students. Through involvement, many gain confidence that carries into future education and employment.
Alpha Nu Gamma continues to serve as a support system for students seeking academic achievement, community and educational experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.