For the second time, Lone Star College-CyFair’s Dr. Blake Ellis, history professor and Phi Theta Kappa co-advisor, has been chosen as a Phi Theta Kappa 2016 Faculty Scholar, one of 30 nationwide.
Previously a 2014 Faulty Scholar, Dr. Ellis joins former adjunct faculty Jeff Edwards and Susan Edwards, respectively, to have earned this prestigious honor in LSC-CyFair’s 12-year history.
“I’m honored because it will mean working with some of the top Phi Theta Kappa students in the country,” said Dr. Ellis, who is also a 2015 LSC-CyFair Faculty Excellence Award winner. “The Honors Institute is one of the most impressive conferences I’ve attended, and I’m looking forward to participating in it for the next two years.”
As a Faculty Scholar, Dr. Ellis will have the opportunity to engage in intensive discussions about the 2016/-17 Honors Study Topic: How the World Works.
“A major part of that discussion will focus on international debates over human rights and social justice. I am excited to add my perspective as a 20th-century historian to these conversations,” said Dr. Ellis.
Scholars are chosen from among nearly 3,000 chapter advisors and selected through a rigorous application process for demonstrated excellence in teaching or administration. Dr. Ellis added that faculty are not chosen unless they are part of a chapter that is active, focused and intellectually engaged.
“This award speaks to the high quality of our Phi Theta Kappa chapter here at LSC-CyFair and demonstrates how well our students have performed,” he said. “Our chapter, started with a very strong foundation thanks to the Edwards, is the strongest it has been in years.”
Dr. Ellis and co-advisor, Dean Daniel Villanueva, are proud of LSC-CyFair chapter’s numerous regional (Top Texas Chapter and Administrator, Advisor and Member Honor Roll awards) and international awards (Distinguished Chapter - one of top 30 among 1,300 chapters worldwide and Distinguished Chapter Officer Team, Officer and Member awards ) this year.
Such recognition speaks to the success of the chapter members and, in particular, the officer team including Skyeler Aguado, Ali Fawaz, James Harney, Rey Laurencio, Estefania Palacios, Thuy Pham and Daniel Varela , said Dr. Ellis.
“I can’t say enough about how impressive these students are. They have conducted high-level academic research, demonstrated a commitment to service at the college, and worked hard to create positive change in the community,” he said.
Also chosen as a 2016 Faculty Scholar and Mayfield Scholar this year is LSC-Tomball’s Dr. Rebecca Tate, who teaches English. Dr. Tate and Dr. Ellis will attend the annual Faculty Scholar Conference this spring.
For information on LSC-CyFair’s Phi Theta Kappa program, contact Dr. Ellis at Blake.A.Ellis@lonestar.edu or at 281.290.3549.