Congratulations to SPC’s Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Joseph Smiley. He was recently named a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Distinguished College Administrator.

Members of SPC’s Eta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa nominated him for the award, which honors administrators who are exceptionally supportive of student success.

“Dr. Smiley has been very supportive of advisors and our chapter in achieving our objectives and maintaining our five-star status, PTK’s highest distinction,” said Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast-Othamot, political science professor and PTK advisor.

In the award letter, the Phi Theta Kappa president and CEO noted that the award shows his dedication to all students.

“While you were nominated for this award by the highest‐achieving students on your campus, this award is really about your commitment to the success of all students. They know you are working hard to provide them more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They know you support their learning both inside and outside the classroom, and as a result, they have had a better college experience because of you.”

Smiley, who has worked at SPC for 42 years, says he sees so much value in the PTK organization and the students who are members, that he makes sure that they have everything they need to be successful chapters.

“New minds come to us every year, so we get another chance each year to make an impact during the small time they spent with us,” Smiley said. “That’s what PTK is all about.”

Smiley said that working with students and PTK is a true blessing for him.

“The reality is that working with students is a passion for me, and it blesses my heart when they do well,” he said. “PTK students and advisors represent the best of what this business of teaching and learning is all about. I benefit from working with them, so I’m happy to support the advisors in every way I possibly can. When students do well, we do well. The very image of SPC does well.”