Reaching a goal takes determination and focus.

When Bismarck State College student Preston Schmidt decided in 2005 to run for Phi Theta Kappa division III international vice president, these traits kicked into gear.

It showed in the meticulous thought put into a campaign brochure and the thoroughness in executing a campaign theme. He was successful in his execution, becoming the first Phi Theta Kappa member from North Dakota to win an international office and the first successful run from the Minn-Wi-Kota region.

"To have someone from this area represent this country, it's as big as it gets," BSC chapter adviser Dan Leingang said.

There are three Phi Theta Kappa chapters in the state and 60 chapters in the region, which covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Schmidt's success means another year of classes at BSC instead of graduating and continuing on to a four-year school. That will wait another year, with more opportunities for scholarships and a chance at attending a different school in Tennessee.

Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society for community college students. It has chapters in the United States, Canada and other countries. It has local chapters, regions and international offices. Schmidt was chapter president this past school year at BSC. He also was regional representative. He will serve as international vice president for division III, which encompasses more than one region, next school year.

Students who are elected to this position serve as Phi Theta Kappa ambassadors to other chapters and serve as hosts at organization events, Schmidt said. At the International Honors Institute, this year in New Jersey, Mohandas Gandhi's grandson will be one of the speakers the vice presidents will get to introduce.

Schmidt was elected by his peers at the international conference in Seattle. He campaigned with the help of a campaign manager, Samantha Berget. Members from other chapters would quiz him on his knowledge of Phi Theta Kappa. Then there was a preliminary vote to narrow the field from 10 candidates to two. He ended up against a student from Indiana. They both gave speeches and everyone voted again. Schmidt won 59 percent to 41 percent of the vote.

"People instantly like him once they meet him," Leingang said.

He said Schmidt is personable, friendly and charismatic.

In order for Schmidt to be considered a candidate, he applied. It involved an application with an essay about why he attended a community college and references, in addition to his chapter sponsoring his candidacy.

Schmidt went to BSC because he needed to figure out what he wanted.

"I had no idea what I wanted to do," he said. "BSC was a good place to start."

He studies engineering and music at BSC and thinks highly of those programs.

He graduated from Mandan High School, and attending BSC allowed him to stay at home.

Participating in Phi Theta Kappa was a natural for him. In high school, he was involved in student council and leadership clubs.

"I wanted to be more involved on campus," he said.

Schmidt is one of about 20 students in the local chapter who participates regularly in service projects. The organization has 50 to 120 members, Leingang said. The organization does not require community service from its members, because it is an honor society

While Schmidt is visiting other community college campuses, he will still be taking a full-time course load, 12 credit hours. He is taking more engineering classes and some music classes to lighten the load, he said.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)