USM Recognized as Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll Institution

For the second consecutive year, The University of Southern Mississippi has received national recognition as a member of Phi Theta Kappa's annual Excellence in Community College Transfer Honor Roll.

The Honor Roll institutions will be featured in the 2019 Phi Theta Kappa Partners in Excellence publication, which goes to higher education leaders nationally. They also have been recognized on PTK's website and at PTK Catalyst, the 2019 annual convention, in early April in Orlando, Fla.

In the fall of 2018, USM enrolled its second largest transfer class in school history with 1,732 transfer students.

“Transfer students make up nearly half of our student body, so Southern Miss has a superior understanding of the transfer experience,” said Erron Flowers, director of Admissions. “Being selected again as a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll institution is a reflection of the University's deep commitment to serving the transfer student population.”

USM is among 78 colleges and universities nationally recognized in PTK's annual Excellence in Community College Transfer Honor Roll.

“It is an honor to be awarded to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll for the second year in a row. We want Phi Theta Kappa students to know that we value what they bring to the table both inside and outside of the classroom," said J.R. Gerhart, assistant director of recruitment, Office of Admissions at USM. "Being awarded to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll shows that Southern Miss is willing and ready to help transfer students reach their goals, whatever they may be.”

Applications were judged based on engagement, collaboration, impact and achievements related to the transfer of community college students, as well as partnerships, support, admissions outreach, scholarships/financial aid, student engagement, opportunities and institutional priorities.

“We partner with PTK at every opportunity, from generous academic scholarship opportunities for PTK members to including hosting their regional conference this past year,” said Flowers.

Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and largest honor society recognizing students pursuing two-year degrees. It has more than 3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.