Webster Named to PTK Transfer Honor Roll for Sixth Consecutive Year

Webster University was named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll this month for the sixth year in a row. The Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities in North America that offer additional support and services to college students who transfer from a community college into a four-year program.

Webster University is one of only three institutions in the state of Missouri to be named to the list of 171 top institutions this year. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is one of the nation’s preeminent organizations that is focused on recognizing the academic achievements and supporting the scholarship of community college students.

Webster's Christina Gilbert at PTK Catalyst International Convention

“Webster University has made it a priority to work with transfer students and help them achieve their educational aspirations in pursuing a four-year degree,” said Christina Gilbert, associate director, Transfer Recruitment and Community College Partnerships. “Webster has recognized the needs of these students, especially during the time of transferring from a community college to a bachelor’s degree program and is proud that its efforts have been nationally recognized for the past six years.”

Gilbert added, “I am currently attending the Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst International Convention, and I am just amazed by all of the incredible students in PTK—they have amazing stories, some have overcome tremendous challenges, and I am proud Webster can continue to support them through sponsorships of their conventions and events, through our PTK scholarships, and with clear transfer pathways. I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of these students who have transferred to Webster, and love their perseverance, passion, and commitment to achieving their goals. I’m happy Webster can be a part of their journey.”

Igho Ekakitie, an International Relations major and PTK alumnus, who was first introduced to Webster through Phi Theta Kappa said that joining PTK was the start of a new journey for him.

“I learned the power of true leadership rooted in fellowship and service because of PTK,” Ekakitie said. “This experience has shaped my stay at Webster University and I'm proud to be a Gorlok with a global perspective of what leadership truly is. I'm forever grateful to PTK #IAMPTK.”

Jessy Berman was also introduced to Webster through PTK. Currently Berman is working toward her World Languages Education degree with minors in Japanese and Film, TV Video Production. 

“Simply put, without being a part of PTK, I would not be where I am today,” Berman said. “During my last year serving as a PTK officer at my community college, I attended a PTK international conference where the only college that stood out to me was Webster University. After planning a trip to tour Webster, my plane landed on the night when the St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup. The following day, I attended the tour of Webster, where everyone was still celebrating. That day, I fell in love with the school, the people, and the city. It was only after I had chosen to enroll at Webster that the school offered me a PTK full-tuition scholarship.”

She added, “I believe that each student has a school that best matches what they need to grow academically, professionally, and personally--and for me, that school was Webster. Where else would I belong if not the city that welcomed my visit with fireworks?”

According to Phi Theta Kappa, institutions are selected to the Transfer Honor Roll according to their Transfer Friendliness Ratings, determined by their profile on PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa's online resource for students. Those colleges with a Transfer Friendliness Rating in the top 25 percent are named to the Transfer Honor Roll.  PTK Connect is Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways, and more. Students can search for colleges by name, scholarship offerings, or cost, and they can use the institutions’ profiles to help evaluate where they’d like to enroll.

Among the programs and scholarships offered by Webster University to transfer students are:

• A Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Achievement full-tuition scholarship is awarded each year to two incoming transfer students attending the Webster Groves home campus who are Phi Theta Kappa members and show high academic achievement and leadership experience.
• A Phi Theta Kappa scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to all full-time transfer students attending the Webster Groves home campus with proof of PTK membership.
• The Presidential Transfer full-tuition scholarship is awarded to five incoming transfer students attending the Webster Groves home campus who maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA, and have significant community involvement and/or leadership experience.
• Dual admission agreements with St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and Lewis & Clark Community College that make it possible for nursing students to be jointly admitted to Lewis & Clark or STLCC and Webster University, and provide the students the opportunity to seamlessly complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Webster University.
• Dual admission agreement with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) to streamline the application process and make more resources available for transfer students transitioning from SWIC’s associate degree programs to a bachelor’s degree programs at Webster.
• An agreement with The South Carolina Technical College System (SCTC) that makes it easier for students earning associate degrees at SCTC to continue with their education and enroll in Webster University’s degree completion programs in that region, without having to repeat general education courses.
• A variety of department- and program-level transfer guides developed with area community colleges that outline degree pathways from the associate to bachelor’s degree.
• A variety of informational meetings as well as phone and video chat opportunities with transfer admission counselors and/or faculty.
• Numerous orientation activities for transfer students to help with the transition, including the Connection Leaders program, where new students are partnered with peer mentors to assist in acclimating to campus life at Webster.
• A Facebook group to help connect transfer students and allow for networking opportunities.

More information about the honor roll and a complete list of all institutions named can be found here. To learn more about Webster’s Transfer Students Program, visit webster.edu/admissions/transfer.