The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines – recently recognized the University of Arkansas at Little Rock chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter.

The award is the second-highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization and is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and that demonstrate sustainability and vitality.

The society recognized 75 chapters this year, including 30 with the gold distinction. Phi Kappa Phi currently has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines.

“The Circle of Honor program recognizes Phi Kappa Phi chapters that have gone above and beyond to promote academic excellence on their campuses,” said Society Executive Director Mary Todd.

By receiving the gold distinction, the UA Little Rock chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that holds annual initiations, upholds the society’s bylaws, regularly attends chapter training opportunities and submits a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.

“This is a wonderful recognition for our chapter and a great honor for our hard-working officers,” said Dr. Jamie Byrne-McCollum, chapter president. “It should be noted that Dr. Belinda Blevins-Knabe, who was chapter president for the first part of the award period, did an extraordinary job and laid the groundwork for much of what we continue to do.”

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors.

Chapters achieving the Circle of Excellence Gold distinction receive  a commendation letter from the Society sent to chapter officers and campus administration; special recognition on the Phi Kappa Phi website; a specially designed logo for use in chapter communications; and a choice of a $200 cash award or an event registration grant.

More information about the Circle of Honor program is available online.