Tyler Junior College professor Gigi Delk is one of four college faculty members nationwide who has been appointed to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Honors Program Council.
During her four-year term on the council, Delk will help direct PTK’s honors programming efforts, with each member representing a specific discipline.
In addition to Delk, who will serve as career and technical education representative, new council members are:
• Dr. Kelly Kennedy-Everett, service-learning representative, Miami Dade College – Hialeah Campus, Florida
• Dr. Kismet Loftin-Bell, social sciences/communications representative, Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina
• Dr. Inhye Peterson, virtual learning representative, Rio Salado College, Arizona
The group will select the PTK’s Honors Study Topic, an interdisciplinary focus used by chapters and colleges as the basis for honors study in discussions, courses, seminar and Honors in Action projects.
“I am so excited to be a part of the stellar team that will craft Phi Theta Kappa Honors research and programming for the future,” Delk said.
Delk has been a TJC computer science professor and faculty sponsor for the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa for more than 30 years. She has a Master of Science in Business Analytics degree in computer science, with numerous additional hours of research, courses and industry training.
She helped design TJC’s Game and Simulation Development program; and she has taught in the TJC Presidential Honors Program since inception in 1990, when it was introduced as the Scholars Academy. Delk serves as emcee for local VEX robotics competitions and frequently visits area schools to promote computer programming, science and mathematics.
She has earned three Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence awards during her career at TJC and is an active member of the TJC Faculty Senate, having served as its senate president in the 2017-18 academic year. She and her husband, Tracy, have six sons, all of whom attended TJC.
“The TJC community celebrates Professor Delk for her unwavering commitment to student and community success,” said TJC President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia. “In addition to her focus on teaching excellence, she is actively involved in numerous initiatives and strategies at our institution and is highly respected for leading by example. It is an honor to work with her as we continue to promote teaching excellence, scholarship and service to others.”
Dr. Deana Sheppard, TJC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, added, “We are honored to celebrate with Gigi Delk on her appointment to the PTK Honors Program Council. Professor Delk is a leader among her peers and very well respected. She is continually focused on students and their success, making TJC a great place to learn.”