The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has recognized Merritt College President Dr. David M. Johnson with its Paragon Award for New Presidents. The national award is given to college presidents who have been in their positions for less than three years, and who “have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment.”
Merritt College has been recognized by the non-profit Campaign for College Opportunity as an “Equity Champion of Higher Education” for its implementation of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. The ADT program gives qualifying students priority admission to a CSU campus so they can complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program. The organization also awarded Merritt College a 2023 equity designation for its success in supporting at least 70% of Latinx students to complete transfer-level English within one year of initially enrolling in an English course.
Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, Merritt College has been lauded for its ongoing work to increase opportunities for student success, particularly in the Latinx community. Merritt College recently received the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. Johnson is one of only 28 college presidents to receive this year’s award, out of 406 nominees.
“Given the hundreds of college presidents, chancellors, and CEOs eligible to receive this award, I am humbled to be one of the 28 recipients. But honestly, this award is really a reflection of the focus, dedication, and excellence demonstrated on the part of students and PTK sponsors. It is so rewarding to work with the members of our Beta Theta Lambda Chapter and support their vision and goals. So my gratitude and thanks go to them!” Dr. Johnson said.
The nominations are made by students themselves, and so is a direct recognition of how the nominees have shown their support for students.
Merritt College is part of the Peralta Community College District. Interim Chancellor Dr. Jannett N. Jackson commented, “The Merritt College slogan is ‘We Put Students First.’ And now, the students have spoken. The fact that the students President Johnson serves nominated him for this honor makes it even more special.” Dr. Jackson continued, “Students and their success are the reason we are here.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier 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 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.
