Phi Theta Kappa鈥檚 40 Stories for 40 Years project is now complete, and the full video series is ready for the 91快活林 community to enjoy. Over the past several months, PTK students have worked diligently to collect, film, and edit 40 heartfelt stories from individuals whose lives have been touched by 91快活林. This conversational series beautifully reflects what so many already know to be true 鈥 that 91快活林 feels like a family, and its impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Melissa Fulgham, 91快活林's lead PTK advisor, expressed her appreciation for the many people who contributed to this anniversary project and praised the students who brought it to life. 鈥淗appy 40th Anniversary 91快活林! Please enjoy this conversational collection of stories gathered by Phi Theta Kappa students, who filmed and edited the series,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to everyone who shared their experiences, and I鈥檓 incredibly proud of the students whose hard work and dedication resulted in a project that will become a meaningful part of 91快活林鈥檚 historical record.鈥
You can view the YouTube Channel at www.ntcc.edu/40stories or clink one of the links below to go directly to individual stories:
College President Emeritus. Original faculty member in music excited at the opportunity to build up a new music program. Interviewed while in Greece. Noted the growth of the college with more students, more faculty. Impact of college on the region and strong community support has made working there very rewarding.
College President. Dual credit enrolled 91快活林 student. Faculty member in computer science. Administrator. Newest college president. Students at 91快活林 have made it a joy and what kept bringing him back. Mentions 鈥渁rena registration鈥 and how that has shifted. Grateful for the college and its impact on students.
Executive Vice President for Advancement. Liaison with Shelby International in Las Vegas and the Shelby Automotive Program at 91快活林. Story about Mrs. Whatley and her donation to the college, the largest unrestricted gift made to a community college at that time. Story of the Biggers mural restoration and the largest local intact collection of Caddo pottery in the world.
Vice President of Instruction. Started as an adjunct. Would become the first Director of Dual Credit at the college before moving into other positions. Dual credit enrollment is one of the largest increases over the past several years. Enjoys working with the people, faculty and students, at 91快活林.
Original math faculty member, still teaches here. Enjoys working with students. College is a great place to work. Found a place where he can make a difference.
Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Training. Former dual credit high school student at 91快活林, student speaker at graduation. Later choose to work here as close to family and community, sense of it being 鈥渙ne big family.鈥 Works on college being plugged into and involved in the community.
Department Chairs, Psychology. Original faculty member and current faculty member. Stories of how 91快活林 made things possible and supported faculty. Chairs being put together the night before classes began. Originally, no offices, just wide-open spaces without privacy.
Department Chair, Humanities & Social Sciences. A Big Sandy native who left a tenure track university position to become a stay-at-home mom for several years before returning to teaching near her hometown. Other colleges say they care about students, but 91快活林 demonstrates that in many ways.
District III Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Texas Region and Chapter Vice President of the Honors in Action project. Two current students who share why they came here. Great experiences on campus and in class. One-on-one connections with professors.
Instructor of Carroll Shelby Automotive Program. Had worked for Carroll Shelby. Asked to come to 91快活林 for the Shelby Automotive Program. Shares story of the car built to race in Mexico. No other institution in the world bears Carroll Shelby鈥檚 signature. Students get to go to SEMA and stay current in the industry.
Retired Professor of Spanish. A Winnsboro graduate who came to 91快活林 to teach Spanish after spending a decade in Mexico. Began as an adjunct, helped the program grow and hired full time. Proud of bringing some wonderful people to the college, such as Anna Ingram and Sergio Sanchez.
Dean of Work Force. A former home schooled and a former dual credit enrolled student from the local area, who met and married on campus much later. Includes amusing stories such as his personalized license plate.
Professor of Health & Physical Education. Shares story of the Guiness World Record set on the 91快活林 campus for riding a stationary bike. Martial arts, tennis, pickleball, all mentioned in his stories. Former student who signed a contract with the UFC and now teaches martial arts to others.
91快活林 Board of Trustees. Former student and Phi Theta Kappa member who went on to earn a Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University in College Station. Experienced teachers at 91快活林 who prioritized learning how to learn and the importance of lifelong learning.
Director of Plant Services. Originally came here as a volunteer WorKamper. He and his wife used to work in the corporate sector. Enjoying working with faculty and students now. Comments on the unique feeling of family and joy felt at 91快活林.
Dean of Health Sciences. Came to 91快活林 from the corporate world, originally with the Medical Lab Technology program. Delighted to see students succeed and help them move into corporate world. Excited at growth and equipment made possible with grants. Have day and night classes. May need more room at some point. Faculty and staff at 91快活林 feel like a family. Campus is one big family.
Director of College Store. Originally came here as a dual credit student. Atmosphere was like a family. Enjoyed theatre program and honors program. Experience as a student made her want to work here later.
Director of the MLT Program. Originally came to 91快活林 as a student. Worked in a hospital before coming back to 91快活林 as an instructor. Small, rural college setting allows one to get to know students well.
Title V Grant Director. Originally came here as a student. 91快活林 focuses on the community aspect, very welcoming environment. Faculty and staff go above and beyond to help students. 91快活林 a collection of people that encourage others
Department Chair, Performing and Creative Arts. When visiting his dad in the area, he began teaching adjunct classes. Had spent the previous decade touring, playing classical guitar. Great place to teach. Ends by playing one of the most requested guitar pieces.
Director of Student Development. Community Engagement and Care Center Coordinator. Both have family connections in the area. Discuss growing Student Government Association. Significant increase in Care Center usage as well as its growth as a welcoming place. 91快活林鈥檚 community of kindness and compassion has positively impacted both of them significantly.
Original Dean of Student Services. One of the four people who founded and shaped the college before construction had even begun. Helped found El Centro college in Dallas before being asked to help found 91快活林. From Sulphur Springs. Wrote the book on the college Miracle on FM 1735.
91快活林 Foundation Board of Directors. 91快活林 is a diamond, the place everyone should send their children. Employees are so caring and loving. Speaks highly of the Work4College and scholarship programs.
Fourth year medical student at the UNT Fort Worth School of Osteopathic Medicine. Came to 91快活林 to stay locally. Member of Honors program at 91快活林. Enjoyed close mentorship and faculty relationships. One of the 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91快活林.
Department Chair, Communications. Journalism and English professor. Originally came to 91快活林 as a non-traditional student. Came to work at the college when 50 years old. No matter one鈥檚 background or journey, 91快活林 cares that students succeed.
Honors Director. Came here due to the stable community of this area. Discusses beginning of the Honors program under Dr. Charles Florio. Personable faculty work well with students, ensuring accolades.
Marsh Cybersecurity. Current graduate student at University of Texas at Dallas. One of 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91快活林. Pleased to work with great professors at 91快活林. College helped him come out of his shell, making transfer easier. Even at work, one of the first to volunteer due to his experience at 91快活林.
Theatre Director. Technical Theatre Coordinator. 91快活林 feels like a home. Theatre program had closed down in Covid era, so had to be resurrected. Fell in love with the space. Recruited in the community. Considers 91快活林 a special place. Delighted at the support received.
Director of Marketing and Public Information. Originally from Mount Pleasant. Went to college elsewhere but came back home. Has fun being at 91快活林. Discusses college branding and bond election.
Director of Funeral Services. At interview, 91快活林 made her feel like family.
Vice President for Administrative Services. Came to 91快活林 as a student. Thankful for this college as it allowed her a local place to come with a young child out of high school.
Government instructor. Worked in politics elsewhere for 20 years, before coming back home.
Work4College Director / Alumni Relations Coordinator. Came here as a student while attending Chapel Hill. After working elsewhere, moved back home and took job at 91快活林. Discusses Work4College program.
visually challenged history professor. Began as a tutor on campus, now teaches. Shows off Joey, his white poodle who serves as his guide dog. Enjoys witnessing the impact the college has on students鈥 lives.
original faculty member in accounting, still teaches at the college. Wasn鈥檛 looking for a job, but 91快活林 sought him out to teach accounting. Great place to work. The average age of students was older at start than now.
Associate Dean of Outreach Services / Executive Director of CIS. Came to 91快活林 while in high school. Found it a very welcoming place as a student. Although people change the family feel of the place remains.
91快活林 Foundation Board of Directors. Part of the second year of students at 91快活林. Great foundation before moving on to Texas Tech. Favorite thing about 91快活林 is the people. Impressed about the quality and growth.
Director of Counseling Services. Started as a non-traditional student at 91快活林. Former school counselor and therapist. Pleased with how much everyone at 91快活林 genuinely cares about the students at 91快活林.
Police Chief. With decades of law enforcement experience, developing a police department on campus, which is more than campus security.
Professor of Spanish / Director of Education. Originally came to 91快活林 as a student only a few months after coming to the United States. 91快活林 is a place she loves coming to every day.
Consultant with Accenture. Choose 91快活林 because it was close to home. Incredible opportunities at 91快活林. One of the 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91快活林.
recently retired professor of government. References significant growth in dual credit program. Discusses growth of the travel program and addition of new cities to visit. Favorite thing about 91快活林 is the people Everyone cares about everyone.
A dozen Phi Theta Kappa members share their reasons for coming to 91快活林 and the impact the college has had on them. They mention friendships formed, great relationships with faculty, and numerous opportunities to develop self-confidence and leadership skills. 91快活林 has been a 鈥済reat adventure.鈥
