An honor society for community college students—what’s not to like? In this episode, Caitlyn Potter Glaser chats with Emily Gora, College Relations Coordinator with Phi Theta Kappa International Society. They discuss who PTK students are and how the society provides essential resources for community college leaders and transfer professionals.

The folks at PTK have been busy putting together new programs and resources that help transfer professionals serve their cohorts more effectively. Emily gives us the scoop on the Direct Admissions program and PTK Connect, which helps smooth the way in the transfer journey. We also dive into the new professional development webinar series specifically designed for transfer admissions counselors.

Whether you are looking for updates on virtual college fairs or want to better understand the "transfer student heart," this conversation offers a clear roadmap for what is next in the field.

PTK Catalyst 2026 Don’t forget that PTK Catalyst is coming up March 26-28, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. This is the biggest event of the year for this community and there is still time to join. Find more information and registration details on the PTK Events page.

About our guest: Emily Gora is the College Relations Coordinator at Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, dedicated to helping students and higher education professionals find the connections they need to succeed. With over ten years of experience in Transfer Recruitment across two-year and four-year institutions, she brings a deep understanding of the student journey and a genuine passion for opening doors. Through her work with PTK's College Relations Department, Emily cultivates strong transfer partnerships with four-year colleges and creates opportunities for institutions and Phi Theta Kappa members to meaningfully connect, turning ambition into achievement, one relationship at a time.

Show Credits
Host | Dr. Heather Adams
Producers | Rhian Waterberg, Emily Kittrell
Sound Editing | Abraham Urias

Keep talking with Transfer Nation
IG: @WeAreTransferNation
LinkedIn: Transfer Nation Page
TikTok: @TransferNation
FB Group: Transfer Nation
Email: WeAreTransferNation@gmail.com

Talk soon!
#TransferPride #TransferSuccess #TransferChampion #TNTalks #TransferNation

What do faculty really think about transfer students and transfer policies? This episode explores that question through anonymous responses from nearly 4,000 CUNY faculty surveyed in 2021. Dr. Lexa Logue, who led the research, joins host Heather Adams and Emily Kittrell from NISTS to unpack what faculty said when given anonymity to speak candidly. Volunteer readers share direct quotes—some affirming, some negative, and some offering solutions. We examine the data honestly to identify where the system needs to change. Content note: This episode includes blunt language and deficit framing about community college faculty and students.

Special note:
Please help us send a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing volunteers who contributed their time and voices to this episode. You're awesome, and your clips sound fantastic! We couldn't have completed this special project without you. 💙💚💛

Want to read the quotes for yourself?
You can access a PDF of the episode transcript or dive into the full response database linked below.
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For more information about the publications and resources mentioned during this episode, visit:

• Logue, A. W., Rabinowitz, V., Oka, Y., Yoo, N., Torres, R., Gentsch, K., & Wutchiett, D. (2025). Faculty characteristics and views: Implications for vertical transfer. Journal of Postsecondary Student Success, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.33009/fsop_jpss138304
• Faculty Quotes Dataset (includes all responses to the open-ended questions to the faculty survey)
• CUNY Transfer Explorer (T-Rex)
• National Transfer Explorer
• Related CUNY A2B (Associate’s to Bachelor’s Degree Transfer) research publications
• Dr. Logue’s website

Show Credits
Host | Dr. Heather Adams
Producers | Rhian Waterberg, Emily Kittrell
Sound Editing | Abraham Urias

Keep talking with Transfer Nation
IG: @WeAreTransferNation
LinkedIn: Transfer Nation Page
TikTok: @TransferNation
FB Group: Transfer Nation
Email: WeAreTransferNation@gmail.com

Talk soon!
#TransferPride #TransferSuccess #TransferChampion #TNTalks #TransferNation

Math requirements create persistent barriers on the transfer path, but how exactly do they block student progress? In this episode, we explore "A Complex Equation: Confronting Math Obstacles on the Transfer Path," a new report from Just Equations.

Authors Pamela Burdman, Robin Hale, and Jenn BeVard join host Heather Adams to discuss their research revealing how math anxiety, complex requirements, and scheduling challenges create a "Gate, Maze, and Pace" that particularly impacts STEM transfer students. The conversation explores why these barriers persist despite good intentions, examines fundamental policy tensions that make reform difficult, and offers practical recommendations for improving transfer success.

Click the links to learn more!

• Just Equations
  
  
• Read the "Complex Equation" Report
  
  
• Meet the Authors:
  • Pamela Burdman, Executive Director
  • Alexis Robin Hale, Research Fellow
  • Jenn BeVard, Director of Operations and Programs

Show Credits
Host | Dr. Heather Adams
Producers | Rhian Waterberg, Emily Kittrell
Sound Editing | Abraham Urias

Keep talking with Transfer Nation
IG: @WeAreTransferNation
LinkedIn: Transfer Nation Page
TikTok: @TransferNation
FB Group: Transfer Nation
Email: WeAreTransferNation@gmail.com

Talk soon!
#TransferPride #TransferSuccess #TransferChampion #TNTalks #TransferNation