MESA, Arizona – March 22, 2018 – Mesa Community College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society students Maxwell Manning, Jacob Riddle and Johnathan Speakman are recipients of prestigious national honors and scholarships.

Maxwell Manning is one of 10 Phi Theta Kappa members to be named a 2018 Hites Scholar, receiving a $7,500 scholarship from the Hites Transfer Scholarship Program. Also selected as a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, Manning receives an additional $1,500 from the program’s sponsor, The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Jacob Riddle and Johnathan Speakman are two of 20 college students selected from around the nation to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team. Each receives a $5,000 scholarship for outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, and community and campus engagement. The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group, with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Speakman is also the recipient of two additional honors for his academic accomplishments and leadership. Selected from among more than 2,000 students on more than 1,600 U.S. college campuses, Speakman receives a $2,500 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship from the Coca‐Cola Foundation, the Coca‐Cola Scholars Foundation, PTK and the AACC. He is also one of 15 PTK members out of more than 3,000 to be named a 2018 Guistwhite Scholar, receiving an additional $5,000 for baccalaureate studies.

“We congratulate Johnathan for receiving these prestigious and highly‐competitive scholarships that recognize outstanding achievements both inside and outside the classroom,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher‐Ladner. “Scholarship programs like these, not only recognize student achievement, but also create meaningful pathways for college students to succeed by putting completion within financial reach.”

The New Century Transfer Pathway Scholars and All-USA Academic Team will be recognized at the PTK Presidents Breakfast in Dallas, April 30 during the AACC Convention.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892 or dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations. Learn more at ptk.org. Learn more at ptk.org.

Follett Higher Education Group is the leading provider of college and university bookstore services. Since 1873, Follett has served as the trusted partner in education for students and educators at all levels of learning. Today Follett delivers print and digital learning materials, retail services, library resources, and school management systems on more than 1,200 college campuses and across 65,000 elementary and high schools.

The Hites Family Foundation was established by Robert Hites, an executive with Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon his retirement, he became an instructor at St. Louis Community College. His brother, Ray Hites, served as President of the Hites Family Foundation and as a Trustee for the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation until his death in 2015. Ray’s wife, Jackie, now serves as a Foundation Board Trustee.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, Visit mesacc.edu. 

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www. maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.