Phi Kappa Phi has approved a chapter at The University of Texas at Dallas, bringing a highly selective academic honor society to campus and meeting a criterion for state funding vital to the growth of research at the University.
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The Phi Kappa Phi logo consists of
a globe against the background of the sun, whose rays signify the dissemination of truth as light. Encircling the globe
is a band containing the Greek letters (Phi Kappa Phi) that symbolizes a fraternal bond that surrounds the Earth and binds the lovers of wisdom in a common pupose.
Phi Kappa Phi will bring together faculty, select upperclassmen, graduate students, alumni and members of the community in an interdisciplinary environment dedicated to the advancement of learning and service to others. Signing of the chapter charter and induction of founding members is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19.
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective collegiate 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.
Granting of Chapter Brings UT Dallas Closer to State Research Funds
By forming a Phi Kappa Phi chapter, UT Dallas has made strides in its effort to become a nationally recognized Tier One research university. Access to interest earned from the state’s $600 million National Research University Fund, a voter-approved endowment, is contingent in part on institutional membership in Phi Kappa Phi or a similar academic honors group.
Dr. Hobson Wildenthal
“Phi Kappa Phi seeks evidence of high-quality academics and student services, as well as an environment supportive of research,” Executive Vice President and Provost Hobson Wildenthal said. “The granting of the UT Dallas chapter is further affirmation of our excellence.”
Months of Preparation Lead to Chapter Launch
Securing the chapter was an extensive process that involved providing a detailed introduction to the University, then culminated in a three-day campus visit by Phi Kappa Phi officials after Thanksgiving to speak with students, deans and other University administrators.
“My impression of UT Dallas could be summed up in one word: quality. The quality of the petitioning group, the faculty and the students was most impressive. Along with the other campus visitors, I was most favorably impressed with the level of interest of the president and provost and the deans.”
Dr. Perry Snyder,
Phi Kappa Phi executive director
“My impression of UT Dallas could be summed up in one word: quality,” said Dr. Perry Snyder, Phi Kappa Phi’s executive director. “The quality of the petitioning group, the faculty and the students was most impressive. Along with the other campus visitors, I was most favorably impressed with the level of interest of the president and provost and the deans.”
In mid-January, the University received an answer to its proposal: UT Dallas would be granted a Phi Kappa Phi chapter. George Mason University and Marshall University were the only other institutions granted chapters at the same time.
“Phi Kappa Phi is a good match for UT Dallas because it allows us to bring our areas of academic strength to light,” said Associate Provost Abby Kratz, who coordinated the petitioning process on behalf of the University. “The offer of chapter membership allows us to recognize excellence in our students – their intellect, their dedication and their ability to perform every day.”
Wildenthal thanked Kratz for helping make the new UT Dallas chapter a reality.
Dr. Abby Kratz
“We’re gratified by the founding of a Phi Kappa Phi chapter at UT Dallas,” he said. “Its establishment reinforces the vision our founders had more than four decades ago to create a research institution that would generate a highly educated workforce for Texas and beyond. The chapter offers another setting for dedicated students to enrich their educations.”
Chapter leadership has been elected from the University faculty and administration that comprise the group’s charter membership. Dr. Denise Paquette Boots, an associate professor of criminology in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, was named the first president.
“It is an incredible honor to be elected by colleagues I respect and admire and be asked to serve as the first president of our chapter,” Boots said. “Phi Kappa Phi is different from other honor societies in that it relies upon faculty to run its local chapters. Although there is a lot of work to be done, I have an incredible team of officers and charter members who share my dedication. With the enthusiastic support of President Daniel and Provost Wildenthal, I am confident that Phi Kappa Phi will have a respected presence on our campus.”
Dr. Edward J. Harpham, associate provost and director of the Collegium V honors program at UT Dallas and professor of political science in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, serves as the first secretary and treasurer. The chapter’s first public relations officer is Andrea Stigdon, administrative services officer with the Office of Strategic Planning and Analysis.
For more information about the UT Dallas Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, contact the Collegium V office at 972-883-4297.