ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Nu Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at College of The Albemarle (COA) held its annual induction ceremony on April 23, 2026, at COA – Elizabeth City, welcoming its largest class of new members to date and recognizing outstanding student achievement, leadership and service.
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is one of the highest honors a community college student can achieve. Students must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average and complete at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program or six hours in a certificate program to be eligible. The Nu Nu Chapter currently has 324 active and alumni members.
The ceremony was led by Associate Professor and Chapter Advisor Leah Allen Jones, along with co-advisors Dr. Jennifer Lopes, Vice President of Learning; Lisa Meads, Dean; Laura Morrison, English and Communications Chair; and Associate Professor Chris Perry. Student leadership included President Emily Gray; Recording and Public Relations Officer Briana Beachboard; Vice President of Fellowship Kafia Almuzerawi; Vice President of Financial Operations Evan Pike; and Vice President of Scholarship Rahnae’ Griffin.
Emily Gray, 2026 Evonne Carter Chamption of Excellence Award Recipient. Presented by Leah Jones.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Nu Nu Chapter earned the Five-Star Chapter designation, the highest level of recognition awarded by Phi Theta Kappa. This distinction reflects exceptional achievement in professional development, leadership, scholarship and service.
Chapter members completed PTK Edge professional development courses, while advisors completed Advisor Edge training. The chapter’s Honors in Action project focused on promoting veteran participation in the 2025 Veterans Writing Workshop and hosting “An Evening with Joseph Bathanti.” Additional initiatives included the regional service project “Cause for Paws,” benefiting the local animal shelter, and college projects supporting the Academic Success Center and the Community College Undergraduate Research Experience. The chapter was also recognized as a Regional Super Star Chapter and received honors for its distinguished regional service project.
“Each year, I am inspired by the commitment our students show not only to academic excellence but also to leadership and service,” said Leah Allen Jones, chapter advisor. “This induction ceremony represents more than an honor — it marks the beginning of a deeper engagement with the College and the community, and I am incredibly proud of what our members continue to accomplish together.”
During the ceremony, students who completed PTK Edge professional development courses were recognized. These courses support career readiness and leadership development, and completers earn a PTK graduation stole.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Evonne Carter Champion of Excellence Award, named in honor of former COA Vice President Dr. Evonne Carter. Emily Gray was named the 2026 recipient in recognition of her leadership, service and commitment to the chapter. Gray is the first Nu Nu Chapter officer to attend the Carolinas Regional Convention twice and played a key role in securing the chapter’s continued Five-Star status.
Photo: The following students were recognized by the Nu Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa: (Front, from left) Mary Parker, Pasquotank; Thomas Giarmono, Pasquotank; Jonathan Seabury, Currituck; Haley Eason, Camden; Gracie Winslow, Perquimans; Jadin Welch, Chowan; Krista Farrell, Gates; Kaylin Jayla Gilbert, Currituck; Rahnae’ Griffin, Pasquotank; Shi’Taja Jenkins, Pasquotank; Briana Beachboard, Pasquotank; Kafia Almuzerawi, Currituck. (Back, from left) Shaquaisha Hampton, Washington; Daniel Wilson, Pasquotank; Cassandra Davenport Simons, Chowan; Christian Craddock, Chowan; Creed E. Truman, Gates; Barron Capps, Currituck; Leeann Wade, Pasquotank; Kinsley Bowman, Currituck; Anna Seymour, Camden; Alyssa Lawrence, Pasquotank; Evan Pike, Camden; and Ethan Ipock, Pasquotank. Emma Hoit, Currituck (not pictured).
The induction ceremony celebrated not only academic excellence but also the commitment of COA students to leadership, service and lifelong learning. Through their achievements, these students continue to strengthen the College and the communities it serves.
For information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2420 or [email protected].