Northeast Texas Community College student José Fuentes, of Mount Pleasant, has been elected International President of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the highest student leadership position in the prestigious honor society. He was elected during the organization’s annual Catalyst conference held last week in Baltimore, Maryland, marking a historic and unprecedented achievement for Ƶý.
As International President, Fuentes will represent more than 250,000 active members across over 1,200 chapters worldwide. Over the next year, he will travel extensively, speaking on behalf of students and helping guide the organization’s global initiatives.
“Serving as a Phi Theta Kappa member has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey,” said Fuentes. “It has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with students across the country and be part of something bigger than myself. As International President, I’m excited to continue building spaces where every student feels supported, seen and inspired to lead in their own way while strengthening the sense of connection, opportunity and belonging that PTK creates.”
Ƶý President Dr. Kevin Rose said the honor reflects both Fuentes’ dedication and the strength of the college’s student leadership programs.
“Jose’s accomplishment is a proud moment for Ƶý,” said Rose. “He is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity. While he has already been a wonderful ambassador for our college, we look forward to seeing him champion the value of community colleges on an even larger stage. We are incredibly proud of Jose and the dedicated team who supported him on his journey to this remarkable achievement.”
Fuentes is an active and highly accomplished student at Ƶý. A Spanish and Psychology major, he was recently named a 2026 Guistwhite Scholar and is the Dr. Jerry Wesson Presidential Scholar in Honors Northeast. He has also been recognized as a member of the 2026 All-Texas Academic Team through Phi Theta Kappa and was announced as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
His academic journey at Ƶý began as a Work4College student while still in high school, setting the foundation for his continued success. Today, his academic excellence is matched by an impressive record of leadership and service. Fuentes serves as President of the Psi Beta Psychology Honor Society chapter on campus and as Vice President of the Honors Student Council. He is also an Eagle Excellence Award recipient and a past recipient of the Dr. Melissa Fulgham Texas Star Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Region.
In addition to his academic and campus leadership achievements, Fuentes has earned recognition beyond Ƶý. He recently won first place in the upper (university-level) division of the Caldwell Awards, presented by the Webb Historical Society, the student auxiliary of the Texas State Historical Association.
Fuentes’ leadership experience extends to the regional level as well. He previously served as District III Vice President for the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa, a role that helped prepare him for his current position on the international stage.
Fuentes credited a strong network of mentors, peers and family members for helping him achieve this milestone. He expressed gratitude to his parents, José Luis and Angelica Fuentes, as well as to Ƶý faculty and staff including Dr. Melissa Fulgham, Dr. Maryna Svirska-Otero, Professor Athena Hayes, Dr. Kevin Rose and Dr. Anna Ingram.
He also highlighted the critical role of the Alpha Mu Chi chapter in his success—especially Chapter President Emma Mendoza, who served as his campaign manager. Mendoza led campaign efforts at the Catalyst conference in Baltimore, coordinating outreach, materials and strategy that helped secure Fuentes’ election.
Fuentes additionally expressed appreciation for the broader network that supported his campaign and leadership journey, including Dr. Andrew Yox and the Honors Program for financial support of campaign materials, as well as Gigi Delk at Tyler Junior College for assistance with campaign booth materials. He also recognized his Texas Regional Coordinators, Professor Mary Linder (Grayson College, Omicron Psi) and Dr. H. Jessica Hargis (Collin College, Alpha Mu Tau), along with District III Coordinators Gigi Delk (Tyler Junior College) and Nancy Long (Trinity Valley Community College), for their guidance and mentorship throughout his time as a Regional Officer and his pursuit of international office.
Dr. Melissa Fulgham, lead advisor for Ƶý’s Alpha Mu Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, said Fuentes’ election is a reflection of both his character and commitment.
“José has consistently demonstrated a passion for leadership and service that sets him apart,” said Fulgham. “He leads with authenticity, compassion and purpose, and this honor is a natural extension of the impact he has already made at Ƶý and beyond. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see the difference he will make on the international stage.”
Fuentes’ election was just one of the highlights of Catalyst for Alpha Mu Chi. The Ƶý chapter brought home numerous awards and honors, which will be highlighted in a separate article. Follow to learn more about recent projects and accomplishments.
