Texas Professor Vows Avenue of Opportunities on Behalf of Students
When Professor Larry Polk began teaching at
Richland College, he recalls being impressed by the
services provided for underprepared students such
as developmental education, tutoring, financial aid
and counseling. “However, little attention was given to
academically motivated students.” Polk said. Yet, when
he initially approached the Vice President of Instruction
to propose an honors program he was told, “community
colleges are not about being elitist.” To Polk, the idea
wasn’t about establishing a social hierarchy, but for all
students to further their educational experience outside
the classroom. So he went back until the Vice President
finally said, “Okay, find something, but every student
must be able to belong.”
“In 1974, the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter of Phi Theta
Kappa was born and chartered by our then ‘national’
president, Rod Risley,” Polk said, “and today, we
continue to open doors of opportunities for all of our
students.”
“I have seen students who were homeless and literally
living on the streets become outstanding educators
and psychotherapists. A student who won a visa lottery
to come to this country with $30 in his pocket rose to
become an Ivy League college graduate and work for a
major high tech company,” Polk described. “All began
their successful career path with Phi Theta Kappa. The
number of educators, physicians, lawyers, successful
businessmen, are too numerous to mention, all
helped by Phi Theta Kappa — scholarships, leadership
skills, and the personal development — all provided
exceptional opportunities for students to become
outstanding citizens and contributors to their fields of
study and the success of this country.”
Polk said he believes the Society provides opportunities
for faculty as well as students. “Through the Leadership
Development Program, Mosal Scholarships, Honors
Seminar Series, Association of Chapter Advisors,
Honors Institute, Faculty Scholar program, and serving
as Advisor Representative to the Board of Directors,
faculty members are given the experience of a
lifetime,” he said “I can honestly say, the Leadership
Development training program was one of the best
professional development experiences in my career.”
With 37 years of experience as a Phi Theta Kappa
advisor, Larry Polk has received every advisor Hallmark
Award, served as as an ACA Officer, and on Phi Theta
Kappa’s Board of Directors. He has seen his local
members go on to win awards, serve as International
Officers, and receive the most prestigious scholarships
the Society has to offer.
“My role as an advisor is coming to a close, however,
my contribution to Phi Theta Kappa will never end.
Because of the vow I made as a senior in college
to provide opportunities for students, the door of
opportunity must continue to open for all students
regardless of their station in life, for it is far better not to
make a vow, than to make one and break it.”
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