Dr. Ponce Receives Award
Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce Receives Prestigious National Award for Leadership and Student Success
TEMPLE, TEXAS — Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce has been named a recipient of the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the highest honor bestowed by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for community college presidents. Dr. Ponce was recognized during PTK Catalyst, the Society’s annual international convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction honors college presidents who demonstrate sustained and exceptional commitment to student success through academic excellence, leadership development, and expanded access to opportunity. Nominees must serve a minimum of five years as president and are selected through nominations submitted by active Phi Theta Kappa students on their home campuses.
Since assuming the presidency of Temple College in 2019, Dr. Ponce has built a leadership legacy grounded in clarity, responsiveness, and a student-centered vision. Students consistently describe her as a visible and engaged leader—one who listens intently, provides thoughtful guidance, and encourages students to take an active role in shaping their academic journeys.
“Dr. Ponce leads with purpose and compassion,” said a Phi Theta Kappa student leader at Temple College. “She genuinely believes in students and challenges us to rise to our potential while making us feel supported every step of the way.”
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Ponce has emphasized that institutional success begins with empowering students to be leaders and partners in the college's mission. Under her leadership, Temple College has strengthened a campus culture that recognizes student voice, leadership, and achievement as essential to student success and community impact.
Known for her accessibility, Dr. Ponce regularly engages with students and student leaders, offering mentorship and reinforcing the importance of perseverance, accountability, and thoughtful problem-solving. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that students thrive when they are both supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
“At the heart of Temple College is our belief in students,” Dr. Ponce said. “When we trust students, support them, and hold high expectations, they do extraordinary things. This recognition belongs to the students who inspire me every day.”
The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction reflects Dr. Ponce’s unwavering belief in the potential of students to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her leadership continues to shape Temple College as an institution where opportunity, excellence, and student success remain at the forefront.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this special recognition from Phi Theta Kappa International. It has been an incredible honor to work with our PTK student leaders throughout the years to advance college campus projects, create student leadership opportunities, and support their efforts in hosting state and regional conferences at Temple College to help PTK student leaders statewide. We are grateful to Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner for investing in student leaders at the local, state, national, and international levels. Phi Theta Kappa has always been my favorite organization for the work they do with college students, so to receive this honor means the world to me,” said Dr. Christy Ponce.