A Word of Welcome from
the Alpha of Texas President

Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. The chapter at the University of Texas was organized in 1904, as the first (Alpha) chapter in the state of Texas.  The Alpha chapter consists of over one hundred and fifty faculty and administrative staff of the University of Texas, all of whom were elected to the Society at their own alma maters. The chapter twice a year elects undergraduates majoring in the liberal arts and sciences, who are inducted into the Society at ceremonies each December and May.

In addition, there is a student chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Texas, consisting of both undergraduates (elected by Alpha of Texas) and graduate and professional students (elected at their undergraduate institutions). The student chapter coordinators are Susan Somers and Ella Miesner.

The Alpha of Texas chapter and the UT student chapter collaborate with the PBK Alumni Association of Greater Austin to provide scholarships and to promote the cause of liberal education. In 2006 and 2007, Phi Beta Kappa is hosting a lecture series on The Essence of Liberal Education: Defining the Core, bringing eight distinguished visitors to Austin.

For more information, contact me, Carol MacKay, president of the Alpha of Texas chapter at mackay@mail.utexas.edu, or through the English Department, B5000.

Dr. Carol H. MacKay
Professor of English