National Park College’s (NPC) chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, Alpha Beta Psi, earned the Distinguished Chapter Award at the Oklahoma/Arkansas Spring Regional Convention held in Fort Smith, Arkansas, earlier this month.
Alpha Beta Psi officers attending the convention included outgoing vice presidents Taeler Acrey and Jay Hardage, along with newly elected vice presidents Ying Jiang and Kandle Pasquith. Chapter advisors Dr. Rebekah Robinette and Dr. Alexandra Barnard also attended. Robinette serves as the regional coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa chapters in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The chapter was recognized for projects completed during 2025, including its College Service Project, the establishment of the Helping Hawks vegetable garden, and its Honors in Action project, Educational Journeys: A Storytelling Event, held in October.
Based on these efforts, Alpha Beta Psi received several regional honors:
- Distinguished Chapter Award, recognizing top scores in both College Service and Honors in Action projects
- Top Five College Project
- Top Five Honors in Action Project
- Honors in Action Theme 5 Certificate of Merit
“As a chapter advisor, I am so proud of the chapter officers for their hard work and dedication in 2025,” Robinette said. “They excelled in their efforts and rose to the top tier of all the chapters in Oklahoma and Arkansas. They presented themselves professionally during the regional conference and were amazing representatives of NPC.”
Barnard praised the student leaders who helped organize the Honors in Action event.
“Taeler and Jay worked hard to make our Educational Journeys event last fall a meaningful experience for everyone who attended, and I'm proud that their efforts were recognized,” Barnard said.
NPC student and Alpha Beta Psi Vice President of Service Jay Mischa Hardage said the recognition reflects the chapter’s commitment to meaningful service.
“Being part of Alpha Beta Psi during such a transformative year has been an honor,” Hardage said. “Our projects pushed us to serve our campus in meaningful ways, and earning the Distinguished Chapter Award shows what can happen when students lead with purpose, creativity and heart. I’m incredibly proud of what our team accomplished together.”
NPC student and Vice President for Scholarship Taeler Acrey said the convention also provided opportunities for connection and growth.
“I am absolutely honored and thankful for the awards we received at regionals,” Acrey said. “While being recognized in that way meant a great deal to us, it also reminded me that there is something just as important that often gets overlooked: fellowship. Regionals gave us the chance to connect, get to know one another, and strengthen the sense of community that makes our chapter so amazing.”
Alpha Beta Psi welcomes students who are committed to scholarship, leadership and service. Eligible students are encouraged to watch for official invitations, speak with a PTK chapter advisor, or contact NPC Academic Affairs for more information on membership requirements and opportunities to get involved.
Photo (left to right): Jennifer Stanford (PTK Senior Director of Student Leadership), Alex Barnard, Ying Jiang, Taeler Acrey, Rebekah Robinette, Jay Hardage, Kandle Pasquith, Mat Herman (Associate Regional Coordinator)