Students Bring Back Phi Theta Kappa

Members of the 2026 PTK All-North Dakota Academic Team accepted their awards in Williston, N.D. in April. From left to right: Sophia Fafard, Chance Leingang, Dr. Dan Leingang, Professor Michael Tomanek, Shelly Whitley, and Paysha Rex.

Leadership, service, fellowship, and academic excellence are the pillars of Phi Theta Kappa at Bismarck State College. Founded in 1918, PTK is an internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges and community colleges with 1,285 chapters worldwide.

To join Phi Theta Kappa, BSC students must have completed at least 12 institutional credits and earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. Those that meet the prerequisites will receive an email inviting them to join. To accept, students must respond to the email and fill out an application within the allotted time frame. Those that accept will get a lifetime membership at no cost.

Associate Professor of English and Faculty Adviser of Phi Theta Kappa Michael Tomanek said that, as of January 2026, 1,036 BSC students qualified for PTK memberships, but only 63 accepted the invitation. 

“It's really unfortunate, [because] every single one of those people should have sent me something,” Tomanek said. “I mean, there's no reason. There's no obligation on their time. There's no money.”

Phi Theta Kappa offers both academic recognition and involvement. Students choose what suits them best. Some remain inactive and choose to have it listed on transcripts, résumés, and the commencement program. Others choose to participate in chapter activities, including service projects, events on campus, and national competitions.

Tomanek said the opportunity can open doors for students who apply, but many miss out simply because they do not respond or submit applications on time.

This fall Phi Theta Kappa members earned multiple scholarship awards. BSC Student Chance Leingang was named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar. BSC Student Sophia Fafard was named a 2026 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and also earned a place on the 2026 All-USA Academic Team.

Other opportunities for members include student centered projects and attending national events. The chapter hopes to return to the annual convention in the future. Past trips included Kansas City, Mo., Nashville, Tenn., Washington, D.C., and San Antonio, Texas. The next convention will take place in spring of 2027 in Grapevine, Texas.  

Tomanek said the chapter is working to become active again after losing momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic,

“Our goal is to get the chapter to a place where we can start in the fall of 2026 on the ground as a chapter,” Tomanek said.

The Phi Theta Kappa student leadership team for 2026-2027 include President Chance Leingang, Vice President of Scholarship Rutendo Masangwi, Vice President of Service Eden Dunn, and Vice President of Leadership Cianna Fanta. 

“They are excited. They’re interested in getting this up and running,” Tomanek said.

Moving forward, the chapter hopes more students will take advantage of the opportunity to join.