Leanna Harmon, a high school junior enrolled in Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, was elected president of the Tennessee Region of Phi Theta Kappa during the recent Regional Convention. “At 16, she may be the youngest regional president to serve, and she is the first regional officer from Chattanooga State’s Alpha Beta Mu chapter to serve in several years,” says Chattanooga State PTK adviser Miranda Cagle Taj. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is the international honor society for two-year colleges. 

As regional president, Leanna will with work with the regional officer team and the Regional Advisory Board to plan events across the state and promote chapter engagement in the coming year.

Leanna says that she enjoys being surrounded by like-minded students and as regional president, looks forward to the prospect of providing opportunities for members to grow as leaders and scholars. “I believe that one of the biggest challenges of being president will be continuing to create an environment that feels like a family among organization officers and members,” she states.

During the convention awards ceremony, Alpha Beta Mu won First Place Distinguished Honors in Action Theme for the chapter's research on "Visions of Justice" under the Honors Study Topic "Transformations: Acknowledging, Assessing, and Achieving Change." “The chapter was recognized as a Five Star Chapter, the highest star designation a chapter can receive under the international society's Chapter Development Plan,” shares Ms. Taj. Additionally, the TN Region recognized Alpha Beta Mu with a Chapter of Light Award for their involvement and initiatives during the 2019-2020 year, a year in which Leanna served as chapter president.

As a Collegiate High student, Leanna’s major is “undeclared;” however she is most passionate about business and plans to transfer to a four-year university majoring in business management following graduation in 2021. In addition to PTK, she is also a member of Chattanooga State’s Umbrella Club and was recently elected as vice president of the newly formed Asian Culture Club.

“PTK has opened up many doors for me during my time at ChattState,” shares Leanna. “It is a welcoming community that makes you so passionate about everything that people are achieving,” she adds. For more information about PTK visit chattanoogastate.edu/phi-theta-kappa.