Peterson Receives International Honor

Dr. Jody Peterson was honored as Distinguished Chapter Advisor at the Phi Theta Kappa International Conference held in Grapevine Texas April 15-18.

Peterson juggles her roles as Regional Coordinator for the Greater Northwest Region of Phi Theta Kappa, Chapter Advisor for the college and her responsibilities as Associate Professor of History.

When Peterson's name rang out over the crowd of 4,000 honor students during the international awards ceremony, the attendees from the Greater Northwest Region jumped to their feet and screamed with approval while clapping their already red and sore hands as hard as they could.

Peterson rose from her seat with a stunned expression on her face and after being smothered by hugs from her friend Deena Bisig, chapter advisor at Clark College, she made her way to the stage as her fans cheered her on.

"It was exciting that Deena Bisig received an international award, but to hear my own advisor's name called out was exhilarating," Olivia Molinari, 20, Rochester, said.

Only 40 chapter advisors were honored at the convention.

Peterson climbed the stairs to the lighted stage and approached Larry Polk, advisor of North Richland Hills, an old friend she'd met in 2001 and adored ever since.

"The voice of God gave me my award!" Peterson said, referring to Polk.

With a grin that resembled Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire cat, Peterson was blinded by the flash of several cameras before finally making her way back to her seat only to be smothered by hugs from her own students.

"There were so many chapters represented, and they could have chosen anybody, but they chose her," Sarah Wilson, 36, Chehalis, said. "I was really proud of her."

Peterson's position as chapter advisor and regional coordinator has kept her extremely busy and she always finds time to give invaluable advice to students throughout the region and on campus.

The Iota Omega chapter officers knew Peterson was over due for recognition for all her hard work which is why they nominated her for the award.

The nomination had already earned Peterson an award on the regional level, which she received during Spring Conference in Everett, WA.