Spartanburg Community College Student, Randall Wheeler, Named to the SC Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team
April 2, 2012
SPARTANBURG, SC – April 2, 2012 – Spartanburg Community College(SCC) student, Randall Joshua Wheeler, of Chesnee, S.C., was one of 20 studentsfrom across S.C. recently recognized by the S.C. Technical College System at aState House ceremony honoring members of the South Carolina 2012 Phi Theta Kappa All-State Carolina Academic Team. Nominations to the team are based onoutstanding academic performance and service to the College and community.
“Josh is an exceptional student who sets a great example forothers through his academic achievements and community involvement,” said HenryGiles, SCC interim president. “We’re very proud of him. He’s an exemplaryrepresentative of SCC.”
Less than one percent of America’s sixmillion, two-year college students have distinguished themselves with thissuperior level of academic achievement and service.“It takes serious commitment and determination for students, like Josh,who have full-time jobs while completing their degrees, yet still make time toparticipate in student organizations, to maintain a high grade point average,”said Dr. Berta Hopkins, SCC science department chair. “The four hallmarks of PhiTheta Kappa are scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship, and Joshcertainly embodies these honorable traits.”
As the first person inhis family to attend college, Wheeler has more than made the most of his twoyears at SCC. In 2011, he was elected vice president of SCC’s chartering BetaSigma Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society. Wheelerwas also elected president of Mu Alpha Theta, the national mathematics honorsociety, and is an active member in SCC’s Science Club, and Technology Club.Wheeler also recently participated in the Southeastern Model Arab LeagueConference at Converse College, where he represented the Special Summit of ArabHeads of State for the Country of Jordan as a member of SCC’s Model Arab League.
“SCC has provided me with the opportunity to succeed. The collegeis filled with teachers who genuinely care for their students. What I havelearned at SCC, I will carry with me for a lifetime,” saidWheeler.
In addition to his extra-curricular activities, Wheeler isemployed as a technical support analyst for the Adidas Group DistributionCenter. He is also an active member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Cowpensand a private pilot with more than 50 hours of flight time.
Whenasked how he does it all, Wheeler explains, “I try to be the best I can beeveryday. Life is too short, and I try not to take anything for granted.” Hecontinues, ”Yes, I get tired, but there is no greater satisfaction than to be apart of something and to help somebody.”
Wheeler’s involvement withPTK awarded him a scholarship to Wofford College, where he plans to earn abachelor’s degree in computer science, after graduating from SCC in May. He’salready made a head start on Wofford student life. “I attended all of theWofford football games, even the away games,” said Wheeler. He even found aphoto of himself on Wofford’s website cheering at an away game at the Citadel.Given Wheeler’s history, it most likely won’t be the only time he’ll be seenrooting for the college.
To view and/or download a photo of RandallWheeler go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/sets/72157629230325665/
Registrationfor SCC’s summer classes is going on now. Individuals interested in applyingto the College can contact the SCC Admissions Center at (864) 592-4800 or tollfree (866) 591-3700 or apply online at www.sccsc.edu.
AboutPhi Theta Kappa.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson,Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,270chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany,the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the FederatedStates of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates andU.S. territorial possessions. More than 2.5 million students have been inductedsince its founding in 1918, with approximately 125,000 students inductedannually. For more information, visit www.phithetakappa.org.
AboutSpartanburg Community College.
Named one of the fastest-growing collegesin the nation according to Community College Week, SCC offers more than100 academic programs of study including associate degrees, diplomas andcertificates, plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year colleges anduniversities. SCC provides flexible class scheduling including day, evening,weekend and classes with multiple start dates as well as more than 100 onlineclasses through SCCOnline. Offering the lowest tuition in the region,convenient locations, and regional/national accreditations, SCC offerseducational opportunities leading to high-growth, high-demand jobs. The SCCCorporate & Community Education Division provides job and careerenhancement, workforce development and personal enrichment courses and trainingprograms. For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.
