ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—recently recognized Winthrop University’s chapter as a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, its second-highest commendation.
The chapter award, which was introduced in 2018, is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and who demonstrate sustainability and vitality as a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.
Phi Kappa Phi currently has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Winthrop was recognized along with 107 other chapters this year, including 37 with the Gold distinction.
The Circle of Excellence Gold honor is given to chapters who scored a 95-99 out of 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates
chapter health indicators. By receiving the Gold distinction, the Winthrop chapter
is recognized as a thriving organization that holds annual initiations, upholds the
Society Bylaws, regularly attends chapter training opportunities and submits a chapter-endorsed
nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.
Winthrop’s Chapter President Devon Ralston said she appreciated the recognition for the dedication of the university’s chapter
leadership and staff. "I want to thank the university administration who have ensured
the chapter thrives,” said Ralston, who is an assistant professor of English and director
of the university’s Writing Center. “The advocacy of the provost's office has been
instrumental in helping us to support and recognize student excellence. We are so
proud of the students who have recently been awarded fellowships and grants to advance
their education through Phi Kappa Phi's awards programs."
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi provides membership by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.
Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
