Southeast New Mexico College Student Accepted to Run for Phi Theta Kappa International Office

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) student and Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President Ciara Taff has officially been accepted as a candidate for International Vice President, Division IV, for Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. She has begun her campaign to represent Division IV, which includes Alaska, Alberta, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Palau, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Ciara said about her decision to run. “When I decided to run for a spot on Phi Theta Kappa’s International Officer team, I was terrified. I kept thinking to myself that there was no way someone like me from a small town would have a chance at such an amazing opportunity. One day, that thought ran through my head, and I decided that I was going to run. Even though I was scared, I knew I had to go for it. There are many students, just like me, who are afraid to take risks and put themselves out there because they don’t want to fail. But the reality is that by not stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling the fears holding you back, you will not grow into the persona you are meant to be. I am on this journey not because I want the title or medal, but because I want the growth and knowledge this experience will provide. If I can inspire just one student to go for it, even if it scares them, then this entire situation will be worth it.”

Phi Theta Kappa International Officers consist of a President and Vice Presidents representing each designated division. These officers are elected annually by voting delegates from chapters participating in PTK Catalyst and serve one-year terms as ambassadors for the organization. International Officers act as student spokespersons at international and regional events, represent the voices of their divisions, and serve as a liaison between the general membership and the Society’s leadership.

In 2025, Ciara served as Chapter President of SENMC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and held a Vice President role on the Regional Officer Team. Through her leadership, dedication, and perseverance, the Alpha Rho Xi Chapter achieved Five Star Chapter status, culminating in recognition as a Top 100 Chapter. Ciara also played a key role in organizing an award-winning Honors in Action project during the same year.

Dr. Raven Anderson, Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Advisor at Southeast New Mexico College, shared praise for Ciara’s achievement, stating, “It has been an honor to watch Ciara grow through her Phi Theta Kappa experience. Her decision to pursue such a prestigious international leadership role reflects her perseverance, commitment, and dedication not only to her own journey, but to serving students across the world.”

Ciara’s candidacy highlights the strength of student leadership at Southeast New Mexico College and the impact of Phi Theta Kappa involvement at the regional and international levels.