Midland College’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Celebrates a Year of Service, Leadership, and National RecognitionMay 05, 2025

The Alpha Beta Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Midland College wrapped up the 2024-2025 academic year with a series of remarkable accomplishments, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

As the international honor society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes students who excel academically and demonstrate a dedication to civic engagement. Membership is extended to students with at least 12 credit hours and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Under the guidance of longtime advisor Dr. Terry Gilmour, Midland College’s chapter has once again upheld its prestigious Five-Star Chapter status — a level it has proudly maintained for the past five years.

"The service of Phi Theta Kappa is yearlong," said Dr. Gilmour. "Our students are not just scholars — they’re leaders who bring purpose and compassion to everything they do. They’ve worked hard all year, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished together."

Throughout the year, PTK members planned and executed impactful projects, including a First-Generation Student Resource Mini-Conference in partnership with college administrators. The conference provided practical support and a welcoming environment for first-gen students navigating the college experience.

In response to rising concerns in the region, the chapter also hosted a community-wide awareness event focused on human trafficking in the Permian Basin. Survivors shared their stories, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of an often-overlooked crisis close to home.

Beyond campus, PTK collaborated with a nonprofit organization that supports Adult Protective Services, helping to organize and stock the Silver Star Closet and assisting with community celebrations. The chapter was honored with the Helping Hand Award, one of only two awarded statewide.

“Our students have a genuine heart for service,” said Dr. Gilmour. "They saw needs both on campus and in our community — and they stepped up. From first-generation support to senior outreach to human trafficking awareness, their efforts were truly transformational."

In terms of academic achievement, PTK students also shined. Guneet Sehgal and Katelyn Herren were named to the 2025 All-Texas Academic Team, with Guneet earning a Coca-Cola Gold Scholarship. Another member, Adebisi Sabena, received the prestigious Oberndorf Scholarship.

The chapter’s excellence was recognized statewide and nationally:

Texas Regional Conference Awards included:

• • Texas Top Chapter
  • Honors in Action Award of Merit (Theme 6)
  • College Project Award of Merit
  • Distinguished Chapter Officer Team
  • Individual recognitions for officers Guneet Sehgal and Dilan Gutierrez
  • Outstanding Member Award for Princess Adebayo

Catalyst, PTK’s International Convention, brought even more recognition:

• • Distinguished Chapter
  • Top 30 Honors in Action Project
  • Top 30 Distinguished Chapter Nationwide
  • Distinguished Chapter Officer: Dilan Gutierrez

With awards for both scholarship and service, the Alpha Beta Phi chapter continues to set a standard of excellence.

These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication of PTK students and their advisor, Dr. Terry Gilmour, but also Midland College’s broader commitment to student success. Through supportive faculty mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and a focus on academic excellence, Midland College empowers students to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on campus and in the community.