Reading, PA – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) recognized Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan Looney as a winner of the prestigious Paragon Award for New Presidents during PTK Catalyst 2019, the Society's annual convention, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

These awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by the students on their campus.

The Paragon Award for New Presidents marks a special accomplishment for Dr. Looney. "I am completely humbled to be honored by PTK, an organization that has meant so much to me over the course of my community college career," says Dr. Looney. She has received a Paragon Award when a PTK student and again when she was a PTK advisor. Dr. Looney joined RACC in 2014 as dean of instruction and was appointed to senior vice president of academic affairs/provost in 2015. 

PTK students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience. More than 500 college presidents were eligible to receive this award.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes academic achievement of community college students and provides opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Reading Area Community College, please call 610.372.4721.