Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Founded in 1776, its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding liberal arts students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The Society sponsors activities to advance these studies — the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences — in higher education and in society at large.
The Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established at Rhodes College on December 5, 1949. Our chapter was the 143rd in the nation to be chartered, and the third in the state of Tennessee; there are currently 286 chapters in the United States. In addition to recognizing outstanding students and awarding the college′s highest academic honor, our chapter sponsors lectures by distinguished visiting scholars.
In 2011-12 we hosted four speakers:
• Kwame Anthony Appiah (Princeton University), discussed his book "The Honor Code," September 21, 2011. Appiah′s visit was co-sponsored with Lecture Board, the Office of Student Conduct, the Dean′s Office, African American Studies, English, Gender and Sexuality Studies, International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, the Project for the Study of Liberal Democracy, the Spence L. Wilson Chair in Humanities, and the Writing Center. WKNO interview; Chapter 16 interview; Commercial Appeal interview; poster (pdf).
• John Churchill ′71 (Phi Beta Kappa) spoke with alumni during Homecoming/Reunion Weekend, October 22, 2011.
• Sir Peter Crane (Yale University) explored "The Future of Plants: Diversity, Conservation and Sustainability," March 1, 2012. Crane′s visit was co-sponsored with Rhodes′ Biology Department, Environmental Studies & Sciences, the Spence L. Wilson Chair in Humanities, and the University of Memphis Department of Biological Sciences. Commercial Appeal profile; Memphis Flyer interview.
• Brian Thompson ′80 (Chazen Museum of Art) addressed new members at the annual induction luncheon, May 11, 2012. Mr. Thompson was the inaugural recipient of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Prize.
