Jos茅 Fuentes, a student at Northeast Texas Community College, a Phi Theta Kappa member, has been selected as a 2026 Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.
Winners were chosen from among 3,000 applicants nationwide, and their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.
Fuentes is active at the chapter, state and international levels of PTK. He is currently a finalist campaigning for International President. Additionally, Jos茅 is the Dr. Jerry Wesson Presidential Scholar in Honors Northeast and is the founding member of Ra铆ces y Alas, a student organization honoring Hispanic heritage.
鈥淛os茅 brings an incredible spirit to our campus and to our chapter. He leads with enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine commitment to excellence. Watching him balance academic success with meaningful involvement across campus has been inspiring, and we couldn鈥檛 be prouder of him for earning this well-deserved honor," Dr. Melissa Fulgham, 91大神 Phi Theta Kappa Advisor, said.
This is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.
鈥淲hat Dr. Guistwhite started 50 years ago has become a transformational force in the lives of PTK members and has resulted in scholarships from 739 unique campuses for our students,鈥 said Phi Theta Kappa鈥檚 President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. 鈥淚t is fitting that we continue to honor our students who excel in scholarship and leadership as Guistwhite Scholars in celebration of Jack and Margaret.鈥
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation鈥檚 colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
