Phi Kappa Phi
Let the love of learning rule humanity.
Recognizing Excellence Across All Academic Disciplines
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society recognizing academic excellence across all fields of study. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, the Society was created with a distinctive purpose: to recognize outstanding scholarship without limiting membership to a particular academic discipline.
The University of Mississippi established its Phi Kappa Phi chapter in 1959, beginning a tradition of recognizing exceptional students from disciplines across the university.
Today, Phi Kappa Phi has chapters at more than 300 colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.” The Society’s core values of excellence, community and service reflect its commitment not only to recognizing academic achievement but also to helping scholars continue learning, conducting research and serving their communities.
Scholarship Opportunities
More Than $1 Million in National Awards Each Year
Phi Kappa Phi also maintains one of the most extensive awards programs among collegiate honor societies, distributing more than $1 million annually through fellowships, scholarships and grants.
Ole Miss students have been highly competitive at the national level, regularly earning Phi Kappa Phi fellowships and study abroad grants.
For students, membership therefore represents more than recognition of past academic achievement. It can also provide significant financial support for graduate or professional education, study abroad, research, dissertation work and continued professional development.
- Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships support members entering their first year of graduate or professional study. These highly competitive national awards recognize exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
- Study Abroad Grants help undergraduate students pursue international educational experiences connected to their academic and professional goals. Students attend institutions with active Phi Kappa Phi chapters to be eligible to compete.
- Pioneer Awards support outstanding undergraduate members based on academic achievement as well as leadership, service and research experience.
- Graduate Research Grants provide support to graduate student members for research and research-related professional development.
- Dissertation Fellowships provide substantial financial assistance to Phi Kappa Phi members completing doctoral dissertations.
- Love of Learning Awards support a wide range of post-baccalaureate educational and professional-development activities, including graduate study, continuing education, research and travel related to teaching and learning.
- Students should consult the national Phi Kappa Phi website for current award amounts, eligibility requirements and application deadlines: https://www.phikappaphi.org/.
FAQs
Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is earned and is by invitation only. Unlike honor societies devoted to a particular academic field, Phi Kappa Phi recognizes achievement across the entire university.
National eligibility standards generally limit invitations to:
- The top 7.5 percent of juniors
- The top 10 percent of seniors
- The top 10 percent of graduate students
Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction may also be eligible for membership.
A Tradition of Achievement at Ole Miss
Phi Kappa Phi has recognized outstanding University of Mississippi students for more than six decades. Its members represent the breadth of academic life at Ole Miss, reflecting one of the Society’s defining principles: excellence deserves recognition regardless of discipline.
If you would like more information about membership, induction, Ole Miss chapter scholarships or national award opportunities, get in touch.
Jacquline Vinson
Program Manager
Why Join Phi Kappa Phi?
An invitation to Phi Kappa Phi recognizes sustained academic excellence, but membership also connects students with opportunities that can support what comes next. Phi Kappa Phi members can:
- Receive national recognition for exceptional academic achievement
- Compete for eight scholarships offered annually by the Ole Miss chapter
- Apply for national fellowships supporting graduate and professional education
- Seek funding for study abroad
- Apply for graduate research and dissertation support
- Pursue professional-development funding
- Join a multidisciplinary network of accomplished students, faculty, professionals and alumni
Since its founding in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi has inducted more than 1.75 million members, creating a broad network of scholars and professionals united by academic excellence and a commitment to the love of learning.