MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Fifty‑one students were initiated into Middle Tennessee State University’s Chapter 246 of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi during the Spring 2026 initiation ceremony, recognizing outstanding academic achievement across multiple disciplines.
Held on campus, the ceremony brought together students, faculty, administrators and guests to celebrate academic excellence and the society’s enduring motto, “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious all‑disciplinary honor society, recognizing excellence in liberal arts and sciences, professional studies, and graduate education.
Phillip Phillips, president of MTSU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter and Honors College associate dean, welcomed attendees and thanked the academic deans and university leaders who participated in the event. Representatives from each college were present to honor students elected from their respective disciplines.
“This is a meaningful recognition of scholarly achievement, but it also represents a commitment to lifelong learning, integrity, and service,” Phillips said. “We are proud of the accomplishments of our new initiates and the example they set for the MTSU community.”
Eligibility for Phi Kappa Phi is highly selective. Seniors must rank in the top 10% of their class, juniors in the top 7.5%, and graduate students in the top 10% of their programs. Faculty, staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction may also be elected.
A highlight of the ceremony was the charge to the initiates delivered by Beverly Brooks Thompson, award‑winning educator and managing director of Carter Global. Thompson was also inducted during the ceremony as a special initiate in recognition of her service to Phi Kappa Phi and her commitment to transformational leadership.
In her remarks, Thompson encouraged students to embrace curiosity, resilience, and purposeful leadership.
“Your induction into Phi Kappa Phi is not the destination — it is the beginning,” Thompson said. “The true value of your education will be measured not only by what you know, but by how you live, lead, and serve others.”
Attendees were also joined by Bradley Newcomer, executive director of Phi Kappa Phi national headquarters, marking the first time an executive director attended an MTSU initiation ceremony. His presence underscored the chapter’s strong engagement and national reputation.
During the ceremony, the chapter recognized its 2026 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship nominee and alternates, as well as doctoral student Lawrence Oyenpemi, who is this year’s recipient of the chapter’s Graduate Scholar Award, funded through the support of local Phi Kappa Phi members. In addition, newly initiated students honored faculty and staff who played a significant role in supporting their academic success, presenting them with certificates of appreciation.
Student remarks emphasized the personal and transformative impact of education and mentorship, highlighting Phi Kappa Phi’s role in fostering confidence, opportunity, and community.
Newly inducted members were encouraged to remain active in the chapter, participate in service initiatives, and compete for national scholarships and fellowships offered through Phi Kappa Phi.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 and now includes more than 325 chapters nationwide and internationally. Membership is held for life. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi at MTSU, visit pkp.mtsu.edu.
— Robin E. Lee (robin.e.lee@mtsu.edu)
Spring 2026 student initiates:
- Augustine Afriyie
- Huda Al Hamad
- Sonia Amankwah
- Shannon Bishop
- Samantha Boling
- Karen Braun
- Arica Burton
- Lisa Butts
- Kaitlin Cashion
- Alex Colon-Berly
- Robert Davis
- Aniya Dean
- Emma Dickey
- Deniyla Dixon
- Heather Dunn
- Jonathan Escobar-Marin
- John Farris
- Johanna Followill
- Nicholas Fraley
- Jade Fuller
- Sarah Gentzler
- Mekiah Hayslett
- Katherine Hill
- Kayla Hudson
- Isabel Jacober
- Ashley Jasso
- Emily Keiningham
- Evan Knutila
- Rory Man
- Anna Martinez
- Amelia McGarry-Nowak
- Harrison Moore
- Elif Nalan Mutlu
- Nicholas Nash
- Drusha Nehal Pandya
- Emma Parker
- Mahina Ahmed Pranti
- Somaya Qattea
- Yolanda Redmond
- Kirah Regales
- Samantha Reid
- Molly Sanchez
- Carissa Scheinblum
- Junhui Shen
- Dipseh Shrestha
- Amanda Smith
- Shelbie Toledo
- Danielle Tsang
- Maheswari Vaghela
- Lindsey Wood
- Mitchell Wood
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