Phi Beta Kappa Society Establishes Chapter at College of Charleston
08 Agosto 2024 - 12:36PM
The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦBK), the nation’s oldest and
most prestigious academic honor society, has granted a charter to
the faculty at the College of Charleston.
Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates for excellence in the
liberal arts and sciences. Its Triennial Council awards new
chapters every three years. This year, the College was one of three
universities chartered to join the 290 existing Phi Beta Kappa
chapters at America’s most esteemed colleges and
universities.
“We are honored to install new chapters at the College of
Charleston, Gonzaga University and Texas State University,
reflecting our commitment to recognizing and fostering academic
excellence,” says Frederick M. Lawrence, Phi Beta Kappa secretary
and CEO. "These schools exemplify the values of and relevance of
the liberal arts and sciences, and we look forward to celebrating
the academic achievements of their most outstanding students. We
are thrilled to expand our network and welcome these distinguished
institutions into the Phi Beta Kappa family."
The invitation to host a chapter at the College of
Charleston follows an extensive evaluation process. To
qualify for a chapter, College of Charleston faculty and programs
demonstrated excellence in undergraduate liberal arts and sciences
education throughout a multi-year review process. Only about
10% of the nation's institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta
Kappa chapters.
“Having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at the College of Charleston
is further affirmation of our institution’s academic excellence and
rising national reputation," says President Andrew T.
Hsu. "Phi Beta Kappa’s presence on our campus aligns perfectly
with our mission to cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking community
of scholars.”
Founded in 1776, just five months after the signing the
Declaration of Independence, the Phi Beta Kappa Society is the most
widely recognized measure of academic achievements for individuals
and institutions. It's mission is to champion education in the
liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought and recognize
academic excellence.
“Since its founding, Phi Beta Kappa has stood as a beacon of
academic excellence and intellectual freedom. Establishing a
chapter on our campus is a testament to the outstanding
achievements of our faculty and students in the liberal arts and
sciences," says Suzanne Austin, executive vice
president of academic affairs and provost of the College of
Charleston. "We are honored to join the ranks of institutions that
celebrate and uphold these values, recognizing and nurturing the
best and brightest minds through this prestigious honor
society.”
Phi Beta Kappa members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 U.S.
Supreme Court justices and 150 Nobel laureates. Its campus chapters
invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences
students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The
College will hold its official chapter installation and first
induction ceremony for new members in the coming months.
Mike Robertson
College of Charleston
843.953.5667
robertsonm@cofc.edu