THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
ABOVE:
Back row: PTK Co-Advisor Prof. Collin Wright, Jonathan Bartlett, Toney Cole, James Cotton, Michael Hearn, Zane Willhide, Dion Gordon, DACC President Dr. Randy Fletcher, Dean Dr Michael Hepner
Middle row: Prof. Alan Thompson, PTK Advisor Prof. Ronnie Johnson, James Ward, Joseph Lyon, PTK Student President Leonidas Hamza, Jesus Bucio, Jamie Zarate, James Bagley, Chris Cook, Prof. Dr. Wendy Brown, Prof Brandy Marron, Dean Terri Cummings
Front:
Prof. Ebony McClendon, Prof. Amber Anderson, Anthony Jenkins, Alberto Gonzalez-Jimenez, Tyler McIntosh, Kamari Pleasant, Peter Ganaway, Jose Morales, Brian Cox, Owen Capogreco, PTK Student Vice President Mahogany Cole, Prof. Emily Crain
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) is proud to announce a historic milestone for higher education in Illinois: the induction of 21 incarcerated students into Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at the Danville Correctional Center. This ceremony marked the first Phi Theta Kappa induction ever held within an Illinois correctional institution, underscoring DACC’s longstanding commitment to access, excellence, and the transformative power of education.
Phi Theta Kappa, founded in 1918, is the official honor society for two-year colleges and recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. Membership provides access to prestigious scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and a global network of high-achieving scholars. Since 2018, PTK has welcomed incarcerated students nationwide, affirming that academic excellence and leadership matter—regardless of setting.
The 21 students inducted through DACC’s correctional education program met the same rigorous standards required of all PTK members. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a two-year college program, complete at least 12 credit hours, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Their achievement reflects not only academic excellence, but determination, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth.
“This moment represents what community colleges do best—open doors, change lives, and recognize potential wherever it exists,” said Dr. Wendy Brown, DACC Microbiology Professor who teaches at the DCC. “We are incredibly proud of these students and honored to be the first institution in Illinois to bring a Phi Theta Kappa induction into a correctional facility.”
DACC believes deeply that higher education is a powerful catalyst for change. By expanding access to college coursework and celebrating academic achievement behind prison walls, the College continues to advance its mission of opportunity, equity, and workforce readiness for all learners.
In his speech during the ceremony Professor Ronnie Johnson, PTK co-sponsor, said to the students, “Your achievements today reflect who you are becoming: leaders, scholars, role models, parents, mentors, and individuals rebuilding their lives through purpose and perseverance. This recognition is not only about academic excellence — it is about redemption, growth, and the belief that the future you imagine is within reach.”
DACC extends its sincere congratulations to the 21 newest members of Phi Theta Kappa. Their success is a powerful reminder that education builds pathways forward—and that excellence knows no boundaries.
For more information about Danville Area Community College and its academic programs, visit www.dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties, since 1946. The College offers Associate degrees and certificates in both university transfer and applied career and technical programs. DACC’s historic, 76-acre main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
