LIT PTK Chapter Earns National Honors with Paragon Award and REACH Recognition

3/18/2026

The Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) Beta Gamma Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) was recognized with two national awards.

Chapter advisor, Tashanda Tezeno, was named a recipient of the 2026 Paragon Award for New Advisors. This national award honors new advisors who demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to supporting student success through their work with PTK members.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and validation of the hard work and dedication I have put into supporting our chapter,” Tezeno said. “It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and fostering an environment where our students can thrive.”

Paragon Award recipients will be formally recognized during the organization’s annual PTK Catalyst convention, scheduled for March 26-28 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Additionally, the chapter has been named a 2025 REACH Chapter through PTK’s REACH Rewards program. The designation recognizes chapters that demonstrate strong membership development and support the organization’s mission of expanding access to the benefits of PTK membership.

“We reestablished the chapter in 2022 and it has been rewarding to see the progress our students have made in a short period of time,” Tezeno said. “I’m proud of the direction the chapter is heading and the involvement we’re continuing to build across campus.”

Together, the Paragon Award and the REACH Chapter designation highlight LIT’s continued commitment to promoting academic excellence, leadership development, and expanded opportunities for students through Phi Theta Kappa.

“We are excited to continue building momentum in our chapter. My primary goals are to enhance member engagement and increase participation in campus events and in PTK events,” Tezeno said. “I want to strengthen the chapter’s visibility on campus and within the community, while building partnerships with local businesses and organizations that can provide valuable opportunities and resources for our members.”

PTK is the international honor society for students at two-year colleges. The organization recognizes high academic achievement and encourages student involvement through leadership programs, campus initiatives and community service opportunities.

For more information on qualifications and how to become a PTK member, contact Tashanda Tezeno at tmtezeno@lit.edu or 409-241-0824.