History of Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta
Kappa began in 1910 with six charter members, under the name
Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri. In
1911 Beta chapter was established at Lindenwood College, St.
Charles, Missouri, and by 1918 honorary groups had sprouted-up
in many two-year colleges.
In 1918 it was decided to reorganize the newly forming honor
societies into one umbrella organization, chapters of which
would have a common character and purpose: to recognize and
encourage scholarship among associate degree students. The name
Phi Theta Kappa was chosen (in keeping with the Phi Beta Kappa
honor society for senior colleges), and the society was
incorporated in Missouri as a national organization. A charter
was drafted, as well as an official seal and pin being chosen.
During its first six years, the society confined itself to
women’s junior colleges. By a constitutional amendment in 1924,
the Phi Theta Kappa was enlarged to include all two-year
colleges. In 1926, Kappa, Lambda and Mu were the first chapters
to be formed in coeducational institutions, with Mu being the
first chapter outside the state of Missouri.
By 1928, the organization had grown to fourteen chapters in six
states. A petition drawn-up by the Phi Theta Kappa Grand Council
was submitted to the American Association of Junior Colleges (AAJC),
requesting that they be recognized as the national honor society
for junior colleges. Due to Phi Theta Kappa’s already large
membership, the AAJC recommended that all honor societies
forming in its member institutions apply for a charter.
On November 18, 1929, Phi Theta Kappa received official
recognition as the honor society of American junior colleges
during the annual meeting of the AAJC, held in Atlantic City,
New Jersey.
Today...
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher
education, with more than 1.3 million members and 1,100 chapters
located in 50 states and U.S. territories. Canada, Germany, and
Japan also have chapters.
The explosive growth of junior colleges during the 1960s
prompted the society to expand its mission. Today, Phi Theta
Kappa offers a host of study programs, services and benefits
designed to reflect the nurturing and community-building
philosophy of modern junior colleges.
More than 75,000 students are inducted annually, with an
estimated 150,000 students participating in Phi Theta Kappa
programs each year.
© Copyright 2008 by Phi Theta Kappa, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The name, logo and various titles have been registered with the U.S. Patent Office.