Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has been recognized nationally by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in the fifth annual edition of Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership. UCNJ’s PTK Iota Xi Chapter is one of only 15 institutions selected for the 2025 issue, which highlights innovative student-led projects that align with college goals and strengthen campus communities. The projects support PTK’s commitment to cultivating and acknowledging student excellence.
The Change Makers journal showcases leadership initiatives from PTK chapters across the nation, spotlighting projects that support each institution’s mission and strategic priorities. UCNJ’s project, developed in partnership between students, faculty, and College administrators, was chosen from more than 450 submissions.
UCNJ’s PTK project was titled “Green Minds: Students Feeding the Future,” and it was designed to support the fight against food insecurity which is a persistent challenge negatively impacting students at the College and those at many community colleges nationwide. Student leaders in the PTK Iota Xi Chapter developed and executed a plan to provide fresh produce using the College’s hydroponic systems to supply fresh vegetation to the on-campus Food Pantry and the College’s Farmers Market.
“The College Project is a key part of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission to empower students to lead and serve,” said Change Makers editor and Senior Director of Student Leadership Jennifer Stanford. “By aligning their projects with their college’s goals, PTK members team up with college leaders to create meaningful change that lasts. It’s a partnership that helps keep PTK chapters strong, connected, and impactful.”
“Congratulations to the College’s Iota Xi Chapter for being selected as one of only a handful of institutions to be included in the Change Makers publication. For many years, the Iota Xi Chapter has maintained its status as a Five Star Chapter, thanks to the leadership, creativity, and commitment of our student-scholars and their faculty advisors” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This recognition highlights how our students not only excel academically but also work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to make lasting contributions that strengthen our College community.”
About UCNJ
UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first 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 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.