The Redlands Community College Alpha Beta Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, garnered numerous regional and international awards. Dr. Jena Marr, Redlands president, also received the PTK Paragon President Award, an honor for new college presidents to recognize their outstanding support of student success.
"I am deeply honored to receive the PTK Paragon President Award, but the true recognition belongs to our exceptional students and dedicated advisors who have built such an outstanding chapter at Redlands,” Marr said. “Their commitment to academic excellence and service exemplifies the transformative power of community college education. The consistent recognition our Alpha Beta Upsilon chapter receives both regionally and internationally demonstrates the extraordinary potential that exists within our student body when given the proper support and opportunities to excel."
During the international Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Awards, Redlands’ chapter was recognized with the Beta Alpha Continued Excellence Award for chapters who have earned the Distinguished Chapter honor for three consecutive years. In addition, the Alpha Beta Upsilon was named a Top 50 Distinguished Chapter and Top 100 Chapter, and received project recognition with Distinguished College Project and Regional Award of Excellence for projects in the areas of Transfer Readiness, Chapter Engagement and CCSmart, a PTK campaign highlighting community colleges as a smart choice for students.
Redlands’ PTK chapter is a member of the OK/AR Region which includes two year colleges from Oklahoma and Arkansas. The region was recognized with the 5 Star Region award. Individual honors went to Redlands instructors Kevin Hawk and Dr. Julie Flegal-Smallwood for Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team, Distinguished Chapter Member Nicki Zou, Distinguished Officer Team, which includes Madison Adams, Mustang; Kanna Scott, Norman; and Trevon Adderley, Freeport, Bahamas.
“The Alpha Beta Upsilon chapter's continued excellence reflects the hard work and dedication of our remarkable students who embrace PTK's pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship,” said Flegal-Smallwood. “Their achievements showcase not only their individual talents but also how community colleges serve as springboards for academic and professional success.”
Earlier in the Spring, Redlands received several regional awards. Named a Distinguished Chapter, the chapter was also recognized as a 5 Star Chapter, an honor it has received for more than 20 consecutive years. Redlands student also receiving honors were Nicki Zou, China, for Distinguished Chapter Member and Madison Adams for Distinguished Chapter Officer. Adams joined Adderley and Scott in being recognized as a Distinguished Chapter Officer Team. The chapter also received recognition for its project, including Most Distinguished College Project and Honors in Action Theme 3 Award. Redlands instructors Kevin Hawk and Dr. Julie Flegal-Smallwood were named Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team, and Jack Shottenkirk, Mustang, was named a regional officer for 2025-2026.