Phi Theta Kappa’s 40 Stories for 40 Years project is now complete, and the full video series is ready for the 91ý community to enjoy. Over the past several months, PTK students have worked diligently to collect, film, and edit 40 heartfelt stories from individuals whose lives have been touched by 91ý. This conversational series beautifully reflects what so many already know to be true — that 91ý feels like a family, and its impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Melissa Fulgham, 91ý's lead PTK advisor, expressed her appreciation for the many people who contributed to this anniversary project and praised the students who brought it to life. “Happy 40th Anniversary 91ý! Please enjoy this conversational collection of stories gathered by Phi Theta Kappa students, who filmed and edited the series,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared their experiences, and I’m incredibly proud of the students whose hard work and dedication resulted in a project that will become a meaningful part of 91ý’s historical record.”
You can view the YouTube Channel at www.ntcc.edu/40stories or clink one of the links below to go directly to individual stories:
College President Emeritus. Original faculty member in music excited at the opportunity to build up a new music program. Interviewed while in Greece. Noted the growth of the college with more students, more faculty. Impact of college on the region and strong community support has made working there very rewarding.
College President. Dual credit enrolled 91ý student. Faculty member in computer science. Administrator. Newest college president. Students at 91ý have made it a joy and what kept bringing him back. Mentions “arena registration” and how that has shifted. Grateful for the college and its impact on students.
Executive Vice President for Advancement. Liaison with Shelby International in Las Vegas and the Shelby Automotive Program at 91ý. Story about Mrs. Whatley and her donation to the college, the largest unrestricted gift made to a community college at that time. Story of the Biggers mural restoration and the largest local intact collection of Caddo pottery in the world.
Vice President of Instruction. Started as an adjunct. Would become the first Director of Dual Credit at the college before moving into other positions. Dual credit enrollment is one of the largest increases over the past several years. Enjoys working with the people, faculty and students, at 91ý.
Original math faculty member, still teaches here. Enjoys working with students. College is a great place to work. Found a place where he can make a difference.
Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Training. Former dual credit high school student at 91ý, student speaker at graduation. Later choose to work here as close to family and community, sense of it being “one big family.” Works on college being plugged into and involved in the community.
Department Chairs, Psychology. Original faculty member and current faculty member. Stories of how 91ý made things possible and supported faculty. Chairs being put together the night before classes began. Originally, no offices, just wide-open spaces without privacy.
Department Chair, Humanities & Social Sciences. A Big Sandy native who left a tenure track university position to become a stay-at-home mom for several years before returning to teaching near her hometown. Other colleges say they care about students, but 91ý demonstrates that in many ways.
District III Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Texas Region and Chapter Vice President of the Honors in Action project. Two current students who share why they came here. Great experiences on campus and in class. One-on-one connections with professors.
Instructor of Carroll Shelby Automotive Program. Had worked for Carroll Shelby. Asked to come to 91ý for the Shelby Automotive Program. Shares story of the car built to race in Mexico. No other institution in the world bears Carroll Shelby’s signature. Students get to go to SEMA and stay current in the industry.
Retired Professor of Spanish. A Winnsboro graduate who came to 91ý to teach Spanish after spending a decade in Mexico. Began as an adjunct, helped the program grow and hired full time. Proud of bringing some wonderful people to the college, such as Anna Ingram and Sergio Sanchez.
Dean of Work Force. A former home schooled and a former dual credit enrolled student from the local area, who met and married on campus much later. Includes amusing stories such as his personalized license plate.
Professor of Health & Physical Education. Shares story of the Guiness World Record set on the 91ý campus for riding a stationary bike. Martial arts, tennis, pickleball, all mentioned in his stories. Former student who signed a contract with the UFC and now teaches martial arts to others.
91ý Board of Trustees. Former student and Phi Theta Kappa member who went on to earn a Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University in College Station. Experienced teachers at 91ý who prioritized learning how to learn and the importance of lifelong learning.
Director of Plant Services. Originally came here as a volunteer WorKamper. He and his wife used to work in the corporate sector. Enjoying working with faculty and students now. Comments on the unique feeling of family and joy felt at 91ý.
Dean of Health Sciences. Came to 91ý from the corporate world, originally with the Medical Lab Technology program. Delighted to see students succeed and help them move into corporate world. Excited at growth and equipment made possible with grants. Have day and night classes. May need more room at some point. Faculty and staff at 91ý feel like a family. Campus is one big family.
Director of College Store. Originally came here as a dual credit student. Atmosphere was like a family. Enjoyed theatre program and honors program. Experience as a student made her want to work here later.
Director of the MLT Program. Originally came to 91ý as a student. Worked in a hospital before coming back to 91ý as an instructor. Small, rural college setting allows one to get to know students well.
Title V Grant Director. Originally came here as a student. 91ý focuses on the community aspect, very welcoming environment. Faculty and staff go above and beyond to help students. 91ý a collection of people that encourage others
Department Chair, Performing and Creative Arts. When visiting his dad in the area, he began teaching adjunct classes. Had spent the previous decade touring, playing classical guitar. Great place to teach. Ends by playing one of the most requested guitar pieces.
Director of Student Development. Community Engagement and Care Center Coordinator. Both have family connections in the area. Discuss growing Student Government Association. Significant increase in Care Center usage as well as its growth as a welcoming place. 91ý’s community of kindness and compassion has positively impacted both of them significantly.
Original Dean of Student Services. One of the four people who founded and shaped the college before construction had even begun. Helped found El Centro college in Dallas before being asked to help found 91ý. From Sulphur Springs. Wrote the book on the college Miracle on FM 1735.
91ý Foundation Board of Directors. 91ý is a diamond, the place everyone should send their children. Employees are so caring and loving. Speaks highly of the Work4College and scholarship programs.
Fourth year medical student at the UNT Fort Worth School of Osteopathic Medicine. Came to 91ý to stay locally. Member of Honors program at 91ý. Enjoyed close mentorship and faculty relationships. One of the 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91ý.
Department Chair, Communications. Journalism and English professor. Originally came to 91ý as a non-traditional student. Came to work at the college when 50 years old. No matter one’s background or journey, 91ý cares that students succeed.
Honors Director. Came here due to the stable community of this area. Discusses beginning of the Honors program under Dr. Charles Florio. Personable faculty work well with students, ensuring accolades.
Marsh Cybersecurity. Current graduate student at University of Texas at Dallas. One of 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91ý. Pleased to work with great professors at 91ý. College helped him come out of his shell, making transfer easier. Even at work, one of the first to volunteer due to his experience at 91ý.
Theatre Director. Technical Theatre Coordinator. 91ý feels like a home. Theatre program had closed down in Covid era, so had to be resurrected. Fell in love with the space. Recruited in the community. Considers 91ý a special place. Delighted at the support received.
Director of Marketing and Public Information. Originally from Mount Pleasant. Went to college elsewhere but came back home. Has fun being at 91ý. Discusses college branding and bond election.
Director of Funeral Services. At interview, 91ý made her feel like family.
Vice President for Administrative Services. Came to 91ý as a student. Thankful for this college as it allowed her a local place to come with a young child out of high school.
Government instructor. Worked in politics elsewhere for 20 years, before coming back home.
Work4College Director / Alumni Relations Coordinator. Came here as a student while attending Chapel Hill. After working elsewhere, moved back home and took job at 91ý. Discusses Work4College program.
visually challenged history professor. Began as a tutor on campus, now teaches. Shows off Joey, his white poodle who serves as his guide dog. Enjoys witnessing the impact the college has on students’ lives.
original faculty member in accounting, still teaches at the college. Wasn’t looking for a job, but 91ý sought him out to teach accounting. Great place to work. The average age of students was older at start than now.
Associate Dean of Outreach Services / Executive Director of CIS. Came to 91ý while in high school. Found it a very welcoming place as a student. Although people change the family feel of the place remains.
91ý Foundation Board of Directors. Part of the second year of students at 91ý. Great foundation before moving on to Texas Tech. Favorite thing about 91ý is the people. Impressed about the quality and growth.
Director of Counseling Services. Started as a non-traditional student at 91ý. Former school counselor and therapist. Pleased with how much everyone at 91ý genuinely cares about the students at 91ý.
Police Chief. With decades of law enforcement experience, developing a police department on campus, which is more than campus security.
Professor of Spanish / Director of Education. Originally came to 91ý as a student only a few months after coming to the United States. 91ý is a place she loves coming to every day.
Consultant with Accenture. Choose 91ý because it was close to home. Incredible opportunities at 91ý. One of the 11 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars from 91ý.
recently retired professor of government. References significant growth in dual credit program. Discusses growth of the travel program and addition of new cities to visit. Favorite thing about 91ý is the people Everyone cares about everyone.
A dozen Phi Theta Kappa members share their reasons for coming to 91ý and the impact the college has had on them. They mention friendships formed, great relationships with faculty, and numerous opportunities to develop self-confidence and leadership skills. 91ý has been a “great adventure.”