Baylor PBK One of Top Chapters in Nation

The Baylor chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor society, was presented a new award for excellence during the PBK Society's 40th Triennial Council in Seattle. Baylor's chapter was recognized as one of three outstanding chapters in the nation and received a $1,000 cash prize and a certificate.
"The award means we are doing all the right things, and it was a great honor to receive it," said Dr. Alden Smith, chair and associate professor of classics and president of Zeta of Texas, Baylor's PBK chapter.
Chapter activities include the annual Roy B. Albaugh Lecture, the Henry L. Robinson Scholarship, and initiation banquets and a reception for National Merit Scholars, local National Merit finalists and Honors students. Zeta of Texas also sponsors University-wide essay contests and co-sponsors lectures for other University departments.
Dr. Phil Johnson, professor of Spanish, has served as secretary and treasurer of Zeta of Texas for 20 years. He said the administration made it possible for the chapter to stay active. "We benefited by having superb institutional support at Baylor. They have supported us in every way and have given us the opportunity to have world-class speakers who are experts in their fields," he said.
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest scholastic honor society with more than half a million members.. The society encourages scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences, and new members are selected annually based on their cultural interests, character and academic achievement in the arts and sciences.
Zeta of Texas was chartered in 1976 and is one of only eight chapters in the state. There are society chapters at 270 U.S. colleges and universities.