Brandon Kosine receives PTK Paragon Award for New Presidents

Brandon Kosine, Ph.D., president of Casper College, has received the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for New Presidents. (Casper College photo)

Casper College President Brandon Kosine, Ph.D., has received the Phi Theta Kappa Award for New Presidents.

The PTK Paragon Award for New Presidents is presented to college presidents who have served in their roles for less than three years and have quickly established a culture that values academic excellence, student engagement, and leadership development.

In a congratulations letter to Kosine, Lyn Tincher-Ladner, Ph.D., president and CEO of PTK Honor Society, wrote: “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from Phi Theta Kappa students who see firsthand your commitment to student success and your early leadership in creating opportunity, strengthening campus communities, and supporting high-achieving students both inside and outside the classroom.”

“Receiving an award is always meaningful, but this one carries a special weight because it comes from our students. They are the reason we’re here. To be seen, challenged, and supported by them — and then to be nominated by them — is deeply humbling,” said Kosine. “This recognition doesn’t belong to me alone; it reflects the incredible work happening across our campus every day. I’m grateful to be part of a community that believes in its students and in each other,” he added.

In their nomination, Casper College students from the PTK Zeta Alpha Chapter noted that Kosine has demonstrated strong and visible support for the chapter through active engagement with students and advisers. From attending induction ceremonies and chapter meetings to recognizing faculty through student-nominated awards, he has made student leadership a consistent priority, the PTK student leaders noted.

Students note that Kosine encourages collaboration and connection both on campus and within the broader Casper community. Through partnerships with local organizations and regular communication with the college’s board of trustees, Kosine helps amplify the work and impact of Casper College PTK students. His leadership style emphasizes accessibility, as he regularly meets with student leaders and supports initiatives designed to strengthen engagement, belonging, and success.

“New college presidents shape campus culture from day one,” noted Tincher-Ladner. “Dr. Kosine’s consistent presence with students and his commitment to fostering meaningful leadership opportunities demonstrate the kind of early presidential leadership this recognition celebrates.”

According to Tincher-Ladner, Paragon honorees prioritize recognizing high achievement and help create environments in which students are encouraged to persist, complete their credentials, and pursue meaningful transfer and career opportunities — reinforcing a culture in which academic excellence is not only celebrated but expected.

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society to recognize the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and to help them grow as scholars and leaders. The PTK serves more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Learn more at ptk.org.

Brandon Kosine Recognition Summary:

• Honoree: Casper College President Brandon Kosine, Ph.D.
• Award: The PTK Paragon Award for New Presidents, designated for leaders with less than three years in their role.
• Key Achievement: Recognized for establishing a culture of academic excellence, student engagement, and leadership development.
• Nominator: Nominated by students from the Casper College PTK Zeta Alpha Chapter.
• Student Impact: Students highlighted Kosine’s accessibility, regular meetings with student leaders, and presence at chapter events.
• Organization Scope: Phi Theta Kappa serves over 4.4 million members across nearly 1,250 chapters globally.