SENMC Chapter Recognized as One of the Top 100 Worldwide

Southeast New Mexico College congratulates the SENMC Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Alpha Rho XI Chapter for their recognition as one of the top 100 international chapters at the 2025 Catalyst Convention held April 3-5 in Kansas City, MO. The college also congratulates SENMC’s Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Math Department Chair, April Addington, who was honored in the PTK Alumni Hall of Honor.

The PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention. This year, the event included well-known guest speakers, Steve Burns from Blue’s Clues, Broadway actor Miguel Cervantes, and Olympic Champion Laurie Hernandez, all advocates for PTK and community college students. The event also featured educational forums, college and career fairs, networking opportunities, and the hallmark award ceremony.

SENMC PTK Chapter President Ciara Gillard said, “The decision to nominate Ms. Addington was unanimous among our chapter. We all wanted to find a way to thank her for not only keeping PTK at our school through Covid but for all of the help, guidance, encouragement, and life she breathed into our chapter during our rebuild.

“She helped us in any way she could during our Honors and Action project, our College Project, and our relief drives for Ruidoso and Roswell. She has set an incredible example for hard work paying off in unimaginable ways. This award could not have gone to a more deserving person,” Gillard added.

SENMC’s PTK advisor, Raven Anderson, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of the members of the Alpha Rho Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Over the past two years, this chapter has experienced an incredible journey of growth and renewal. When we began the rebuilding process, the chapter was on the verge of inactivity. Through unwavering dedication, hard work, and a shared commitment to excellence, these students have not only revitalized the chapter but have also achieved the highest level of recognition—Five Star Chapter Status.

“In addition, they brought home 12 awards at the regional level and, most impressively, earned a place among the Top 100 Chapters internationally,” he added. “That honor was truly unexpected and speaks volumes about their character and leadership. It has been a privilege to witness their transformation and success firsthand. Serving as an advisor to such a motivated, talented, and inspiring group of student leaders at Southeast New Mexico College is a true honor.”

2025 Regional Awards:

Distinguished Chapter Member: Charles Beardmore

Distinguished Chapter Officer Team: Elijah Cisneros, Ciara Gillard, Anet Lira, Jordan Medina, Kiely Medina, Lorena Salinas

Distinguished Chapter Officer: Ciara Gillard and Kiely Medina

Five-Star Chapter Plan Award: Five-Star Level

Honors in Action Chapter Award: Theme 6 – Stories of Persistence, Resilience, Healing, and Sorrow

College Project Award: A Journey of Unity, Health, and Service: The Beautification of SENMC’s Health Clinic

Horizon Award: Dr. Raven Anderson and Dr. David Mcintosh (Certificates)

Paragon Award for Advisors (less than 4 years of service): Dr. Raven Anderson

Most Distinguished Chapter Officer Team: Dr. Raven Anderson and Dr. David McIntosh

Most Distinguished Chapter: Alpha Rho Xi Chapter

Gillard said, “When I step back and think about all the accomplishments that this chapter earned in the span of this year, I have two overwhelming feelings: astonishment and pride. I wish I could show the world the hard work, determination, and intellect exhibited by these students and our Advisor, Dr. Raven Anderson, to make a difference not only at our institution but in our community as a whole.

“They stepped into this chapter not knowing what the future held and absolutely thrived,” she added. “With 12 awards at a regional level and being named one of the top 100 PTK chapters internationally, I hope each one of these amazing students feels as much pride in themselves as I feel for them. They did the work. They poured hours upon hours into this chapter. They deserve every single milligram of praise for their accomplishments. All of this would be nothing without the amazing leadership shown by Dr. Anderson. He had a vision for this chapter and gave them all the tools necessary to succeed. I just feel very thankful to be surrounded by such incredible people.”

“This is an exceptional accomplishment,” added Dr. Kevin Beardmore, SENMC President. “Our chapter has come so far in such a short time. Reaching this level is a credit to the members, the officers, and the advisors of our wonderful PTK team. They earned it, and we are so happy for them.”

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the official honor society for two-year colleges. Since its founding in 1819, PTK has celebrated academic achievements, personal growth, leadership, and service among community and technical college students. The organization has nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide and over 4.3 million students inducted. PTK offers scholarship opportunities, leadership development, and resources to promote success beyond the classroom. For more information regarding Phi Theta Kappa, contact the campus at (575) 234-9200.