Phi Theta Kappa

President | Vanesa Melendez

Vanesa Melendez is an Illinois native who moved to Ohio in December 2023. Vanesa earned her GED along with the Outstanding Student Award through the Aspire Program here at Southern State. Next day she registered to be a full-time college student in the hopes of earning her Associates of Science degree for RN. In her time at Southern State, Vanesa earned a GED Scholarship, and The Sara M. Barrere Memorial Trustee Scholarship along with Dean's List and being a member of Phi Theta Kappa. As of Fall Semester 2025, Vanesa was named Phi Theta Kappa President. When Vanesa isn't being a full-time student, she's a full-time mother to four beautiful kids and soon to be married to her fiancé Ryan Nichols. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying music and theatre and writing a good story or poem.

Vice President of Leadership | Zaylee Arrington

Zaylee Arrington moved to Greenfield, OH in 2017 after living her first 8 years in Chicago, Illinois. Zaylee is currently in the 11th grade at McClain High School while earning college credits at Southern State Community College. She proudly represents her culture as an African American, Ecuadorian, and Native Hawaiian. She is inspired by her Papa every day, aiming to follow in his footsteps and leave a positive impact everywhere she goes. When she has moments to relax, she loves watching movies, attending plays and musicals, and spending time with friends and family.

Vice President of Service | Emily Goodwin

Emily Goodwin is a CCP student from Clinton County where she is a senior at Wilmington High School. After high school graduation, she plans on continuing her studies at SSCC to become a registered nurse. This past summer she completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at Southern State. Emily lives on a farm and has deep agricultural roots. She is active in 4-H and FFA showing beef cattle and rabbits. She was the 2025 Clinton County Fair Queen. Showing beef cattle is her true passion, and she shows pretty much year-round on various show circuits, even at National shows. In addition to PTK, Emily is a member of the National Honor Society and the Phi Delta Sigma Honor Society at her high school. Emily enjoys expressing her personality through her love of turquoise jewelry, fashion, and fun drinks.

Vice President of Scholarship | Kaleb Eden

Kaleb Eden is a second-year student who lived in Kentucky before moving to Ohio. Kaleb plans to pursue a career in philosophy and higher education. He loves music, video games, and cats.

Vice President of Communications | Vacant

The Vice President of Fellowship/Membership | Vacant