CSCC's Harrington Wins Paragon Award

Holly Vincent
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 12:00 AM
Community, Employees

Kimberly Harrington, Cleveland State’s Phi Theta Kappa Advisor, was recently honored with the Paragon Award for New Advisors at the Tennessee Region Meeting this past weekend.

According to Phi Theta Kappa, the Paragon Award designation recognizes advisors who have served less than four years and have made significant contributions to the growth of the individual chapter members, served as the chapter’s advocate on campus and encouraged the chapter to be involved on the local, regional and/or international level of the organization.

“I am honored that our chapter’s students and advisors took the time and effort to nominate me for this award,” stated Harrington. “I’ll continue to do my best to support them in any way possible.”

According to her nomination, Harrington consistently promotes awareness for PTK on the CSCC campus. She uses daily newsletters, puts up posters and uses social media to advertise events. She has developed an extra credit program for students who participate in campus activities. She regularly coordinates and works at PTK information / recruiting tables in the Student Center. Despite her responsibilities as the Math Department Chair, PTK is at the front of her awareness, and she is always on top of new initiatives and communication from both the regional and national offices. In addition to promoting awareness, she also has a strong focus on providing funding / resources for the Omega Omicron Chapter. She has raised money promoting Spirit Nights at local restaurants, from which a percentage of sales goes back to PTK. She also personally contributes to a school scholarship for PTK membership.

Dr. Michael Stokes, Vice President for Student Services, said, “Ms. Harrington goes over and above the requirements for being an outstanding PTK advisor. She is an asset both to the chapter and the overall organization.”

Ariana Medina, PTK’s Vice President for Scholarship, said, “Amidst a pandemic Professor Harrington continues to encourage our members to find new ways to be involved both in Phi Theta Kappa and our community. She has a student focused mindset in everything she does for our club. She is always willing to listen. She is a source of encouragement and makes our club members feel valued and heard.”

Medina continued, “It is awesome to see her be recognized for all of the hard work she puts in behind the scenes!”

Photo Caption: Kimberly Harrington, PTK Paragon Award Recipient.