Moraine Valley Community College student John Kladis, of Palos Hills, has been elected president of Phi Theta Kappa for Illinois.
Moraine Valley Community College student John Kladis, of Palos Hills, has been elected president of Phi Theta Kappa for Illinois. He is the first Moraine Valley student elected to serve as state president of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.
“John is a charismatic and dynamic leader,” said Kimberly Golk, co-advisor of Phi Theta Kappa at Moraine Valley. “His leadership in the Moraine Valley chapter has prepared him well. The Illinois region can expect John to bring enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication to his newly- elected role. I look forward to his leadership in the coming academic year, knowing he will be able to impact the PTK experience of students engaged throughout Illinois.”
Kladis served as executive vice president for the Moraine Valley chapter during the 2017-18 school year, and it was this experience that prompted him to run for a statewide office. “I spent so much time and got really involved,” he said. “I enjoyed our chapter and working with people throughout the state and thought, what better way to give back than to serve in a statewide capacity.”
One of the goals Kladis is eyeing during his tenure is to help spur the growth of the organization.
“I want to see not just the membership numbers increase, but growth in member involvement. I’d like to see more activity and involvement by more chapters,” he said.
Kladis will assume his new role June 3 at the Illinois Regional Convention in St. Charles, Illinois. The Illinois region of Phi Theta Kappa elects a president and four vice presidents each year. Illinois is one of nine regions in Division III, and there are 56 chapters. Illinois is the sixth largest region overall for Phi Theta Kappa.
