Southwestern president receives Paragon Award for New Presidents

Creston, IOWA- During the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society's Annual Convention, held April 4-6, 2024, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Lindsay Stoaks, Southwestern Community College (SWCC) president, was one of 24 college presidents honored with the Paragon Award for New Presidents. Stoaks, who was unable to attend the ceremony, received her medallion from the SWCC PTK officers during an informal gathering in the college's Administration Center on Monday, May 6.

To be eligible for this award, college presidents must be new in their roles having served less than three years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campuses and are only eligible to receive the award once.

"These college presidents have students-first leadership styles and made it a priority to support student success both inside and outside the classroom," said PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. "This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them."

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation's colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Pictured above: President Lindsay Stoaks receiving the Paragon Award from SWCC Phi Theta Kappa officers - (L to R) Austin Byrd of Diagonal; Sophie Lyle of Pella; Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC president; Ethan Blomme of Bridgewater; Megan DeBoer of Creston; and Joe Pastorino, SWCC Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisor.