Motto
Let the love of learning rule humanity.
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. Its chapters are on more than 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Each year, approximately 30,000 members are initiated.
Since its founding, Phi Kappa Phi has initiated more than 1 million members into its ranks; all of these members have received emblems and certificates of membership. However, Phi Kappa Phi is much more than an emblem and a line on a résumé. It is a global network comprised of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines—a community of scholars and professionals building an enduring legacy for future generations.
Mission
In 1897 at the University of Maine, ten senior students, two faculty members, and the school president created an honor society that was different from the few others then in existence—one that recognized and honored excellence in all academic disciplines. Under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann, the group formed the Lambda Sigma Eta Society, which was later renamed Phi Kappa Phi from the initial letters of the Greek words forming its adopted motto: Philosophìa Krateìto Photôn, “Let the love of learning rule humanity.”
Phi Kappa Phi’s mission is “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”
Awards
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi offers many opportunities for recognition for accomplishments related to our motto: “Let the love of learning rule humanity.”
Please click the links below to find out more about these various opportunities.
Fellowships
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi currently awards 50 Fellowships of $8,500 each and two at $35,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Eligible students will receive an email invitation to apply. Local review of applications are made each spring and the ETSU nominee to the national competition is recognized with a scholarship at our spring induction ceremony.
Recent ETSU Chapter Recipients
· 2023: Piper Floyd ($8,500 Fellowship)
· 2022: David Crabtree ($8,500 Fellowship)
Love of Learning Awards
Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members to include (but not be limited to): Graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, travel related to teaching/research/learning, etc. Recipients of the Fellowship award are not eligible to apply. Two hundred awards, at $500-$1000 each, are distributed each year. We offer two application cycles each year, awarding one hundred winners per cycle.
The competition is open to all active (dues current) Phi Kappa Phi members who:
· Have completed their baccalaureate studies by application submission deadline.
· Have not yet received a Fellowship or Award of Excellence grant.
Recent ETSU Recipients
· 2022: Alice Aichele
· 2021: Emily N. Napier
Graduate Research Grants
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi annually awards 20 grants of up to $1,500 to active members attending graduate school. These grants provide funding for research in support of career development opportunities
Recent ETSU Recipients
· 2022: Emily N. Napier
Study Abroad Grants
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year (50 Session A / 25 Session B).
Literacy Grants
The Literacy Grants program was initiated to mobilize members and resources of Phi Kappa Phi and the higher education community to champion literacy initiatives. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members to fund ongoing literacy projects or to create new initiatives. The Society's commitment to the cause of literacy grows out of and is consistent with its mission, which was expanded to include "…and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Dissertation Fellowships
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi annually awards 20 grants of up to $1,500 to active members attending graduate school. These grants provide funding for research in support of career development opportunities
Recent ETSU Recipients
· 2022: Emily N. Napier
Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award
The Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The award recipient receives a $1,000 honorarium, a life membership, and a recognition citation. The award is given once per biennium.
Scholar and Artist Awards
The Phi Kappa Phi Scholar Award and Phi Kappa Phi Artist Award honor those individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their activities, achievements, and scholarship. Awardees receive $1,000 honoraria, a life membership, and a recognition citation. Each award is given once per biennium.
First presented in 1974, the Scholar Award recognizes excellence in teaching, research, and public service. In 1983, the Artist Award was established to recognize the achievements of those who, in addition to their outstanding scholarship, have displayed talents in the broad realm of the arts–creative, graphic, performing, visual, and/or fine arts.
Pioneer Awards
Pioneer Awards are designed to encourage and reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement, and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar. Fifty $1,000 awards are distributed annually.
Mary Todd Sabbatical Award
In honor of former Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd, the Society will honor one faculty member with a $50,000 award to support a sabbatical period or similar reassignment of duties.
Calendar
ETSU Phi Kappa Phi Events
The induction ceremonies for Chapter 112 of Phi Kappa Phi traditionally take place in fall and spring semesters, in October and March.
- Spring 2024 Induction: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
- 5 p.m.
- D.P. Culp Student Center, East Tennessee Room
FAQ
What is The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi?
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Phi Kappa Phi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
How does Phi Kappa Phi compare with other honor societies?
Only two other honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, have requirements for membership as exacting as Phi Kappa Phi's.
What does the name and logo mean?
The Phi Kappa Phi emblem/logo consists of a globe against the background of the sun. The sun's rays signify equivalence among the various branches of learning and represent the dissemination of truth as light. Encircling the globe is a band containing the Greek letters (ΦΚΦ) that symbolizes a fraternal bond that girds the earth and binds the lovers of wisdom in a common purpose. The name, Phi Kappa Phi, is derived from the words that form its motto (Philosophía Krateítõ Phõtôn), which means "Let the love of learning rule humanity."
How is Phi Kappa Phi funded?
Phi Kappa Phi is funded through dues (including annual dues, life membership fees, and initiation fees), merchandise sales, and contributions.
Guiding Documents
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi sets forth principles of ethical behavior to serve as an aspiration for all members, staff, volunteers, and others who represent the honor society.
1. I will respect the rights, knowledge, skills, abilities, and individuality of all persons.
2. I will strive for excellence and promote the objectives of the honor society.
3. I will be honest, fair, trustworthy, and ethical.
4. I will comply with all laws, bylaws, the employee handbook, or other relevant policies of the Society.
5. I will use the Society’s resources judiciously.
6. I will value and respect the history and traditions of the Society.
7. I will use sound judgment in all personal and professional undertakings.
8. I will achieve and sustain competency in my chosen field and/or endeavors.
9. I will let the love of learning guide my life.
Members
Membership Benefits
Phi Kappa Phi members are eligible to apply for numerous Scholarships and Awards, valued at $1.3 million each year. From fellowships up to $35,000 to $1,000 study abroad grants to $1,000 Love of Learning grants, the Society has a long history of supporting the educational pursuits of its members.
With more than 1.5 million members inducted since 1897, the Society includes scholars and professionals in just about every imaginable discipline and offers many networking opportunities to active members, including access to an exclusive members-only online community. For more information about member benefits, visit https://www.phikappaphi.org/members/why-join.
Explanation of Dues
As a new Phi Kappa Phi member, candidates pay certain national and chapter fees. The national portion, which starts at $77, pays for your pin, a certificate, and one year of national dues. ETSU chapter fees are $10, and covers the cost of the ceremony and local dues.
The annual membership renewal is $42 and is required for you to be an active member and receive the full benefits of membership for one year. Discounted rates are available if you opt to renew for multiple years.
Please note that one of the national dues options is required to be considered an active member and receive the full benefits of membership for the selected time period. By electing to pay chapter dues, you help our ETSU chapter fund local awards and host area activities.
Please see the national website for more information. https://www.phikappaphi.org/members/renew-your-membership/explanation-of-dues
To Reactivate or Transfer Your Membership to ETSU Click here to download the Request for Reactivation and/or Transfer of Membership form and follow the instructions at the bottom to return to the national office.
Officers
2023-2024 Chapter 112 Officers
President
Dr. Adrianna Guram
Associate Director for Residence Life, Housing and Residence Life
gurama@etsu.edu
President Elect
Dr. Larry L. Bowman, Jr.
Data Services Manager, Clemmer College
bowmanll1@etsu.edu
Secretary/Awards & Grants Coordinator
Dr. Jean C. Hemphill
Professor and Academic Director of the Doctor of Philosophy Program, College of Nursing
hemphilj@etsu.edu
Treasurer
Dr. Leah Adinolfi
Dean of Student Engagement and Director of Assessment, Student Life & Enrollment
adinolfi@etsu.edu