MTSU’s award-winning chapter of Phi Kappa Phi prepares to set another precedent — its first virtual initiation ceremony.

Dr. Jason Martin

Sandra Campbell

The national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently bestowed its top honor, the Circle of Excellence Platinum Award, for 2020-2021 on the MTSU chapter. The award recognizes chapters for promoting academic excellence and engaging students in the promotion of education and public service. Each winning chapter receives $300.

“(Chapter Coordinator) Sandra Campbell worked very hard to make sure our new members were recognized publicly for their hard work and had an initiation ceremony,” said chapter President-elect Jason Martin, interim dean of the James E. Walker Library.

Dr. Philip Phillips

Philip Phillips, immediate past chapter president and associate dean of the University Honors College, called the video “excellent work, and quite the achievement during the pandemic!” Campbell is executive secretary in the Honors College.

Eighty-three scholars are joining the ranks of those who ascribe to the organization’s motto, “Philosophia Krateito Photon,” which is Greek for “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” Esteemed members include former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; opera star Renee Fleming; author John Grisham; and astronaut Wendy Lawrence.

MTSU’s latest initiates hail from 36 different Tennessee cities and towns, as well as Bloomington, Illinois; Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; and Florence, Alabama. (View the initiation video, which includes individual slides of each initiate, above.)

Phi Kappa Phi regalia and paraphernalia decorate a display case on the first floor of the James E. Walker Library. The display highlights the organization’s dedication to the love of learning and public service. (Photo submitted)

To qualify for admission into this prestigious society, juniors must have completed at least 72 credit hours with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution and rank in the top 7.5% of their class.

Seniors must have completed at least 90 credit hours with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution and rank in the top 10% of their class.

Graduate students must have completed at least 18 graduate hours or the equivalent at their institution and rank in the top 10% of their class. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also be eligible.

Members are eligible to apply for nearly $1 million in awards each year. From $500 Love of Learning grants to $1,000 study-abroad grants to fellowships of up to $35,000, PKP has a long history of supporting the educational pursuits of its members.

To find out more about Phi Kappa Phi’s MTSU chapter No. 246, go to www.facebook.com/pkpmtsu or www.mtsu.edu/pkp, or contact Campbell at 615-904-8431 or sandra.campbell@mtsu.edu. The national organization website is www.phikappaphi.org.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)