Gabe Knight, dean of liberal arts for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), will be celebrated for the lasting difference he’s made in the lives of students and the institution.
On March 27, Knight will receive the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Distinguished College Administrator Award at the organization’s annual Catalyst Convention in Baltimore. The award recognizes college leaders who work directly with student leaders to strengthen campus communities and expand opportunities for success.
PTK is the world’s largest honor society for community college students, with more than 4.4 million members at nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Knight formerly served as a PTK advisor at the Scott campus and continues to ensure that student leadership, scholarship, and service remain priorities within the Liberal Arts division.
“Mr. Knight understands that student success grows when leadership is supported with intention and care,” said PTK President and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PhD. “Students recognize him for the way he champions their ideas, encourages participation, and works behind the scenes to create opportunities that allow them to thrive.”
In addition, Knight has strengthened advising structures and encouraged faculty and staff to elevate membership opportunities. He fosters collaboration among advisors, faculty, and student leaders, reinforcing a culture where academic excellence and leadership are encouraged and attainable for all students.
Tincher-Ladner said the award is especially meaningful because it comes from PTK students at the Scott campus, who are among the highest-achieving.
“Their nomination reflects not only their respect for your leadership, but their recognition of the learning environment you help create — one where academic excellence is supported, opportunity is expanded, and students are encouraged to see themselves as capable of more,” she wrote in his award letter.
To be eligible, nominees must serve as a vice president, dean, or director at an institution with an active PTK chapter, have at least three years of service in their current role, and be nominated by the student leaders of their chapter. Knight was selected from thousands of eligible college administrators nationwide to receive the honor.