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.



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