President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Natalie Tucker, Ph.D., vice president and dean of Marian University’s Ancilla College, has been honored with the Paragon Award for New Presidents by the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa. The prestigious award recognizes new college presidents who have demonstrated exceptional support for student success and have created high-quality learning environments both inside and outside the classroom.

Phi Theta Kappa focuses on celebrating the academic achievements of college students and provides opportunities for its members to develop as scholars and leaders. With a membership of approximately 250,000 active individuals across almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations, the organization is highly regarded in the academic community.

Marian University president Daniel J. Elsener extended his congratulations to Dr. Tucker, stating, "I am pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tucker on receiving the prestigious New President Award from Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. This well-deserved honor is a testament to her exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence."

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Tucker humbly accepted the award, saying, "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the New President’s Award from the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This recognition is proof of the collective efforts of our Marian University Ancilla community and the unwavering commitment to academic excellence. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated faculty, staff, and, most importantly, our exceptional students."

Dr. Tucker will be presented with the award during Phi Theta Kappa's Annual Convention, which will be held from April 4-6, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. This event serves as a platform for leaders in academia to come together and share their insights and experiences in order to further enhance the educational landscape for students across the globe.

The Paragon Award for New Presidents acknowledges Dr. Tucker's outstanding leadership and commitment to fostering student success. Her dedication to providing students with valuable opportunities and pathways to degree completion and employment has set her apart as an exceptional president. The entire Marian University community celebrates this well-deserved recognition of Dr. Tucker's accomplishments.