Just eight months into his first year as Paris Junior College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen M. Benson is already gaining state and national notice. He will receive two awards from Phi Theta Kappa, the national two-year college honor society. He was nominated for both awards by the PTK Beta Zeta Chapter, which has been active at PJC since 1932.
“I am truly honored to be nominated for these awards by the outstanding students of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Benson. “This organization represents the best of academic excellence, leadership, and service, and I am continually inspired by their dedication. As president of Paris Junior College, my greatest privilege is championing student success, and I share this recognition with the incredible faculty, staff, and students who make our institution thrive.”
At the Texas annual meeting of Phi Theta Kappa, Dr. Benson will be inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for New Presidents for the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa. Benson will receive the honor at the Texas Region’s 2025 Awards Banquet held in Houston on March 8.
On April 3, Benson will travel to Kansas City, Missouri for PTK Catalyst, the honor society’s annual international meeting. There he will receive the PTK Paragon Award for New Presidents. This award recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success and for providing high-quality learning environments both inside and outside the classroom.
“I applaud you for taking an active and direct interest in the leadership development of your Phi Theta Kappa students — they are so grateful, and it’s not just them,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President & CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. “Your nomination was strong evidence that you are a student success champion for all students. They know you are working hard to provide them more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They know you support their learning, and as a result, they have had a better college experience because of you.”
Christopher Withrow, PTK Beta Zeta Chapter President, wrote both successful nominations.
“Although his tenure has only spanned a few months,” Withrow wrote, “Dr. Benson has been instrumental in facilitating change on our campus, as well as for our chapter.”
Withrow cited Benson’s willingness to talk with student leaders, even during his vetting process, and address their questions and concerns.
“He presented himself as a champion whom Phi Theta Kappa could rely on,” Withrow said, “and he has fulfilled that assurance. He has been open to any and all suggestions for positive activities that PTK could be involved in to improve the community and fellowship of our institution.”
