Jacob Lambie successfully campaigned for and won the position of International Vice-President for Division II for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Lambie will be the first student from Northeast Texas Community College to hold that highly respected position. Division II includes 326 chapters in 7 Regional Organizations, comprising Alabama, Florida, British Virgin Islands, Peru, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.
“Being elected as an International officer is a culmination of work from our local PTK chapter spanning several years now. All of their past work and experience that has been passed down made this kind of achievement possible for me," Lambie said. "Hosting an international campaign fully on social media served as a huge learning curve that I feel has given me valuable experience for the future.”
Because PTK Catalyst was turning into a live streaming event, this year’s campaign was unique in that it was conducted online and made extensive use of social media, which included several live events as well as pre-prepared speeches and campaign materials. Candidate speeches on the assigned topic of “How do inherited understandings of progress guide the future?” were made available for all attendees of the virtual event. An ardent advocate for mental health, Jacob’s campaign included sharing practical tips for mental wellness and celebrations of those overcoming challenges.
“It seems that Jacob’s focus on inclusivity strongly resonated among the Phi Theta Kappa members around the nation,” said Dr. Melissa Fulgham, Phi Theta Kappa advisor. “Victories like these are never won alone. Jacob had strong support from his own chapter and a campaign team that included members from across the nation. In addition, thank you to all the college personnel and members of the community who helped make Jacob’s unprecedented win possible. I’m sure that Jacob will represent NTCC and the east Texas region well and in a way in which we can all take pride!”
Lambie served as a Phi Theta Kappa Texas Regional Officer, as well as being named a Pearson, Guistwhite, Dr. Mary Hood Texas STAR, and Coca-Cola Gold Scholar. A Presidential Honors Scholar in Honors Northeast, he has also won multiple Caldwell Awards and presented his academic research in various venues.
Lambie was one of five students elected during PTK Catalyst 2020 to represent more than 250,000 active Phi Theta Kappa members as International Officers for the 2020-2021 academic year. It will be a leadership development experience like none other.
As a group, the officer team works together to impact the mission, strategic plan, and vision of the organization, and the team members provide professional development to members at local, regional, and international events. Individually, each officer is given personal and professional development opportunities to promote success in their next steps in life —
whether that is to transfer to a four-year college or university or enter directly into the workforce.