Tracy Owen
Beta Zeta Zeta advisor
A long-time academic advisor for The University of New Mexico-Valencia campus was recently recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for her 15 years of service to the international honor society of community colleges.
Tracy Owen, who began with PTK in 2006, recently stepped down as an advisor of UNM-Valencia’s Beta Zeta Zeta chapter after more than a decade at the helm.
“My time in Phi Theta Kappa was the best part of my job. I was able to see students learn and exercise leadership roles, win scholarships, make friends and get out in the world,” Owen said.
As the local chapter advisor, Owen was tasked with recruiting members and officers, coordinating meetings and events, maintaining a budget, fund raising and guiding students to and during conferences.
The UNM-Valencia chapter was also honored with a crystal plate for The College Project Award from the New Mexico region. The Owen-led chapter submitted its “Campus Resources” project during the 2019-20 school year.
This project consisted of disseminating information to students about finding tutoring, veteran representatives, support programs, food, library information, police support and various resources on campus.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to obtain such information, but the project helped update students on these services and resources at UNM-Valencia Campus.
The award recognizes what PTK means to the student population.
“Every year, we try to complete a college project that has some impact on the campus. This last year, being a pandemic year with many changes, and again with this year’s changes, we found it important to have resources for students to get the help they need,” Owen said. “A quick resource guide — we will use one every year and give it to all new students.”
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April 18, 2024
