Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society that draws its members from all academic disciplines within colleges and universities. Each year, approximately 34,000 students, faculty, professiona l staff, and alumni are initiated.

Election to membership is by invitation only. Those elected to membership include upper 7.5 percent last-term juniors (having completed at least seventy-two semester hours) and upper 10 percent seniors, along with outstanding graduate students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni.

Since its founding, Phi Kappa Phi has initiated more than 1 million members. Its chapters are on nearly 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

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."

At initiation, members receive certificates of membership. But Phi Kappa Phi is more than a line on a résumé. It is a more than 100-year-old organization made up of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines-a community of scholars who are leaving an enviable legacy for future generations.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently recognized the campus chapter at Mississippi State University as a Chapter of Excellence. This award is given to chapters that not only comply with the Society’s national standards, but also demonstrate an active commitment to excellence. By receiving the Chapter of Excellence distinction, Mississippi State University’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter is being recognized as a thriving organization that meets frequently, holds annual initiations and applies frequently for Phi Kappa Phi’s select scholarships, grants, and fellowships.