David Horton Jr.
Ohio University

Name: David Horton Jr.

Chapter Position: Treasurer and immediate Past President

Years of Service to the Chapter: 5 years

University Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Higher Education

Degree(s)/Discipline: Ph.D., Higher Education Administration

How did you become involved as a chapter officer? I was originally invited to become an officer in my local chapter during my first year as an assistant professor at Ohio University. The president of the chapter at that time asked if I would be interested in serving as the chapter treasurer. Given the focus of my academic work on graduate studies, I thought this would provide an opportunity to interact with the undergraduate student population on my campus.

What has your chapter done that has made you proud? I am very proud of our chapter's ability to stay relevant and engaged on our campus despite a small board and student membership. Over the past five years, we have held an initiation ceremony each spring that seems to keep getting bigger and better each year. I am also proud of our collaboration with and sponsorship of activities organized by the OU Women's Center and the Patton College of Education. During the 2013-2014 academic year, we sponsored an Institutional Review Board (IRB) workshop for undergraduate and graduate students within the college to provide helpful tips and strategies for submitting IRB proposals for approval.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you? I am very proud to be associated with Phi Kappa Phi. To me, Phi Kappa Phi means a commitment to scholarship, the pursuit of truth, and the love of lifelong learning.

What do you enjoy most about being a chapter officer? I enjoy interacting with students from across my institution, from diverse disciplines, that I might not have had an opportunity to interact with if not involved with Phi Kappa Phi. I enjoy being able to contribute to students' growth and development outside of the classroom by organizing and sponsoring programs and workshops. Lastly, having the opportunity to attend national conventions as a representative of our chapter has been an honor.

What advice would you give to a new chapter officer? Always remember that all the hard work you do for Phi Kappa Phi is worth it. Students appreciate being honored for their academic accomplishments by being invited to join the best honor society in the country. 

What are your hobbies? In my spare time, I volunteer as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County. I also enjoy running, working out at my local Crossfit gym, playing golf and reading mystery and suspense novels. 

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. After high school I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I lived for eight years while working and completing my bachelor's and master's degrees at Dallas Baptist University. In 2004 I moved to Gainesville, Florida, to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Florida. I now reside in Athens, Ohio with my wife, daughter, two dogs and cat.