College of The Albemarle Welcomes Largest Honor Society Class

Twenty-five community college students just joined one of the most prestigious academic honor societies in America, marking a milestone moment for College of The Albemarle.

The Nu Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa welcomed its biggest class yet on April 23, celebrating students from seven North Carolina counties who balanced academic excellence with community service. To qualify, each student maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average while completing their associate degree or certificate program.

Emily Gray stood out among her peers, earning the 2026 Evonne Carter Champion of Excellence Award for her leadership and dedication. She became the first Nu Nu Chapter officer to attend the Carolinas Regional Convention twice, helping secure the chapter's continued success.

The chapter now boasts 324 active and alumni members who've proven that academic achievement extends far beyond the classroom. Students completed professional development courses preparing them for future careers while tackling real community challenges.

Their projects made tangible differences across the region. Members promoted veteran participation in a writing workshop, partnered with the local animal shelter through "Cause for Paws," and supported campus initiatives like the Academic Success Center.

Why This Inspires

Chapter advisor Leah Allen Jones captured what makes this achievement special. "This induction ceremony represents more than an honor," she said. "It marks the beginning of a deeper engagement with the College and the community."

For the fourth straight year, the Nu Nu Chapter earned Five-Star Chapter status, the highest recognition Phi Theta Kappa awards. The designation reflects exceptional achievement across professional development, leadership, scholarship and service.

The chapter also received Regional Super Star Chapter recognition and honors for its distinguished service projects. These aren't empty titles but recognition of hundreds of hours students invested in making their communities stronger.

Community college students often juggle jobs, families and financial pressures that four-year university students rarely face. Achieving a 3.5 GPA under those circumstances demonstrates extraordinary dedication and resilience.

These 25 new members join a network of accomplished scholars who prove that excellence flourishes everywhere, not just at elite universities. Their success shows what's possible when students commit to both personal growth and community impact.