MSU Group Gets Top National Billing

STARKVILLE, Miss.–For the fifth consecutive year, Mississippi State’s chapter of the nation’s oldest and most selective honor society is receiving a major recognition.

The university’s Phi Kappa Phi organization again holds a Chapter of Excellence designation–one of only 19 chosen for the top honor from nearly 70 under consideration this year.

The MSU chapter now has earned Chapter of Excellence status from 2009-13. Of six chapters in Mississippi, it is the only one in the 2012-13 academic year contingent.

“Phi Kappa Phi is proud of all its chapters, but we are pleased to offer special recognition to those who have achieved the status of Chapter of Merit and Chapter of Excellence,” said Mary Todd, the society’s executive director.

Todd said the Chapter of Excellence specifically acknowledges “chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.”

For many years, MSU’s PKP chapter has presented medals at the fall and spring commencements to all senior members graduating with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages.

For that ongoing program and its other activities, the MSU and other 2012-13 Chapters of Excellence receive a $500 award, among other recognitions.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, the honor society currently has more than 300 university and college chapters throughout North America and the Philippines. Its more than 32,000 members include students, faculty, professional staff and alumni.

Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty and other non-students who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.