Philip Phillips, Ph.D., professor of English and associate dean of the university honors college at Middle Tennessee State University, was recently elected to serve as president-elect for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

The election took place immediately following the 2024 Phi Kappa Phi Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

During his 2024-2026 term as president-elect, Phillips will serve on the Society’s 12-person board of directors. His election represents a six-year commitment to the Society including successive terms as president and past president.

“I am fully committed, both personally and professionally, to the mission of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,” Phillips said during his remarks to delegates at the Society’s convention. “I know firsthand the value of recognizing and promoting academic excellence, and especially supporting the scholarship, creative activity, study abroad opportunities, and community service projects of our students who represent the full range of disciplines,” he said.

Initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as a faculty member at MTSU in 2011, Phillips has been an active leader of Phi Kappa Phi at the local and national levels. He served on the Phi Kappa Phi board of directors from 2018-2020 and again from 2022-2024. He has been a member of the bylaws committee, finance and budget committee, fellowship committee, and the strategic planning taskforce.

“I am thankful for the presence of our president-elect, Philip Phillips, whose dedication and new ideas continue to invigorate our national board,” said Society President Sharhonda Rush. “Phi Kappa Phi’s governance structure thrives on the close collaboration among the president, past president, and president-elect. This teamwork ensures seamless and resilient leadership that continues to propel Phi Kappa Phi forward.”

Phillips holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in English from Vanderbilt University, and a B.A., also in English, from Belmont University. At MTSU, he has served as graduate admissions director for the English department and chair of the academic master plan committee for the university. He serves as immediate past president of his chapter. Outside the university, he has been a member of both the diversity and research committees of the National Collegiate Honors Council, a member of the editorial board of The Edgar Allan Poe Review, and founder and director of the Great Books in Middle Tennessee Prisons program.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. In special cases, students with an exceptional GPA, and faculty, professional staff, and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

Lora Becker, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the neuroscience program at the University of Evansville, will serve as past president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—for the 2024-2026 biennium.

Becker’s new role follows her two-year term as president, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

Under her direction, Phi Kappa Phi saw a successful 2022-2024 biennium that included the distribution of more than $2 million in awards, induction of nearly 40,000 new members, installation of five new chapters, rollout of a new membership management system, and launch of a new strategic and fundraising plan for the Society.

“Lora’s wisdom and guidance were invaluable as our organization emerged from a global pandemic and undertook changes to better serve our chapters and members,” said incoming Society President Sharhonda Rush during her closing remarks at the 2024 Phi Kappa Phi Biennial Convention. “I’m glad that Lora will remain on our board as past president, where she’ll continue to serve as a valuable advisor to me and everyone on Phi Kappa Phi’s national board of directors.”

“As I transition out of the role of Society president, I’m struck by the talent, professionalism, and thoughtfulness expressed by our board of directors this past biennium,” Becker said. “I am confident in the leadership of our new president, Sharhonda Rush, along with the amazing and dedicated staff at the Phi Kappa Phi national office, to carry us into the future. I have learned so much over my 10 years of service to Phi Kappa Phi.”

Becker has been active in the Society since 2014 at the local, regional, and national levels. She has held a number of roles within the University of Evansville chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, including president, a position she assumed in 2015. Becker was also chair of the 2016 biennial convention credentials committee and served as chair of the national bylaws committee for the 2016-2018 biennium. During the 2020-22 biennium Becker served as the convention planning committee co-chair, budget and program review committee chair, chair of the executive director search committee, and a finance and budget committee member.

Becker received her B.S. in biology and psychology from Wright State University. She earned an M.A. in psychobiology from State University of New York at Binghamton where she also received her Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience. Becker’s primary research activity seeks to understand human and animal emotions, and she has conducted behavioral neuroscience research with undergraduate students for more than 20 years.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. In special cases, students with an exceptional GPA, and faculty, professional staff, and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

Sharhonda Rush, MBA, MPP, optimization consulting manager at BlackLine, has been named president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Rush’s role as president follows her two-year term as president-elect, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

As president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for the 2024-2026 biennium, Rush will work with the Society’s board of directors and executive leadership team to develop and implement a new strategic and fundraising plan for the Society and further enhance governance and strategic oversight.

The first African American president of Phi Kappa Phi and the first president who works outside of academia, Rush was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as a graduate student by the Jacksonville University chapter in 2016. Wanting to make a difference and eager to drive change, she became involved at the national level in 2020 when she was elected as a director on the 2020-2022 Society Board of Directors and chaired the Finance and Budget Committee. During the 2022-2024 biennium as Society president-elect, she continued as chair of the Finance and Budget Committee and served as an ex-officio member on all other standing committees.

Rush earned both a master’s in public policy and an MBA at Jacksonville University and a BSA in accounting from Christopher Newport University. Rush is a certified public accountant. Throughout her finance and accounting career, Rush has gained extensive experience in strategic thinking, collaborating with others, and implementing innovative solutions. In her role at BlackLine, she works with finance and accounting professionals to optimize processes and enhance efficiencies through the strategic use of technology.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Rush is actively involved in various community-based sorority initiatives. She has volunteered as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters and with JTA Cares programs, serving homeless individuals and families transitioning from homelessness. Rush serves as a board member for the Jacksonville University Black Alumni and the North Florida UNCF Leadership Council and is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, where she provides mentoring to college students majoring in accounting.

“I am so excited for all that we will do together in the coming years,” Rush said during her closing remarks at the 2024 Pih Kappa Phi Biennial Convention. “I deeply value the vibrant connection that Phi Kappa Phi has with our campus chapters. Together, we form a powerful network of scholars and leaders. I am committed to nurturing and strengthening those bonds, ensuring that we not only sustain, but also elevate, our collective impact,” said Rush.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—today announced the recipients of a 2024 Pioneer Award. The $1,000 awards were given to 50 Phi Kappa Phi members nationwide.

The Pioneer Awards are designed to encourage and reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.

“It is with great pride that we announce the 2024 recipients of the Pioneer Award. This award, which recognizes 50 outstanding undergraduate members, is a testament to our commitment to fostering research, engagement, and leadership skills in young scholars. The Pioneer Award represents our ongoing dedication to supporting academic excellence and personal growth across all disciplines. It underscores Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to celebrate and advance learning. We congratulate the recipients and look forward to seeing their continued achievements.” said Society Executive Director and CEO, Bradley R. Newcomer.

The selection process for a Pioneer Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, honors and awards, relevant research experience, service and leadership experience, on and off campus, a personal statement and letter of recommendation.

The Pioneer Award, established in 2022, is the newest addition to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which currently gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates through this program.

For the complete list of recipients, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/2024Pioneer. The application process for the 2025 Pioneer Awards will open on Dec. 15, 2024.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Alyssa Papa
Director of Communications
apapa@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7777

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society – is currently accepting applications for its Mary Todd Sabbatical Award, named in honor of its former Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd.

This prestigious award, valued at $50,000, will be presented annually to one outstanding faculty member to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignment of duties, allowing them to focus on research, writing, or other professional development activities. The Society recognizes the importance of providing faculty members with the time and resources necessary to explore new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and make significant contributions to their disciplines.

“This award is designed to support our exceptional faculty members in their pursuit of the love of learning, providing them with the time and resources needed to advance their research and professional development. By fostering their scholarly passions, we are reinforcing Phi Kappa Phi’s commitment to celebrating and advancing the love of learning across all academic disciplines. We are confident that this initiative will uphold our tradition of academic excellence, and we look forward to the impactful contributions it will enable for years to come,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

Applications for the award will be open to active members who are faculty members. A committee of esteemed professionals will review the applications and select the recipient based on their demonstrated excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the Society’s mission and values.

The award was added to Society’s already robust portfolio of awards in 2023, which currently gives more than $1 million annually to deserving members and students.

The deadline to apply for the Sabbatical Award is Oct. 1, 2024 To learn more about the award, visit www.phikappaphi.org/sabbatical.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org

More than one-in-four college students report suffering from an eating disorder

Westlake Village, Calif., (August 14, 2024) – Alsana, an eating disorder recovery community, is helping students adjust to college life by offering virtual support to anyone struggling with disordered eating. According to a 2021 study in Psychiatry Research, 28% of college students suffer from eating disorders, which are the second most deadly mental health condition. Early intervention is key to managing and preventing eating disorders from progressing, which is why virtual treatment is so important for busy college students.

College is often the first opportunity for students to live independently. This, combined with new environments and academic pressure, can contribute to unhealthy eating patterns that might lead to an eating disorder. Alsana’s accessible virtual treatment programs allow students to pursue their studies while building healthy habits.

“The pressures of staying on top of school is tough enough as it is. These stressors can trigger disordered eating habits, and treatment can help students improve their overall health to achieve a successful college career,” said Margot Rittenhouse, MS, LPCC, director of clinical services at Alsana Westlake Village. “ With virtual treatment, the recovery process is  accessible from their college living environment, in-between classes and during times that work best with their schedules.”

Benefits of virtual treatment include group and individual therapy, nutrition counseling and meal support, access to care five days a week, and peer support sessions for additional encouragement in recovery.

For more information about Alsana’s virtual treatment programs, click here.

About Alsana®

Alsana is an eating recovery community with virtual Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs across the United States, in addition to Residential, PHP/IOP programs in Alabama, California, and Missouri. Its eating disorder treatment program are compassion-focused, evidence-based, and designed in alignment with Alsana’s Adaptive Care Model®. This whole-person approach addresses healing in all areas of clients’ lives by integrating medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care with movement and relational therapies. Alsana serves adult clients of all genders and sexual identities struggling with a broad spectrum of eating, feeding, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Alsana’s programs accommodate the unique needs of vegan clients and clients struggling with ED-DMT1, also known as “diabulimia.” Learn more at www.alsana.com.

For Immediate Release

Gretchen Ferguson, Westbound Communications
gferguson@westboundcommunications.com
Cell: 760-224-0346

Don’t expect colleges and universities to replace stolen or damaged student property, but GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance can.

PHOENIX (August 13, 2024): As students across the country prepare to return to college campuses, GradGuard, the number one provider of college tuition and renters insurance programs, urges families to consider how to protect themselves from the risks of college life.

College marks a significant milestone for many young adults, often representing their first taste of independence and newfound responsibilities. Among these responsibilities is the important task of safeguarding personal belongings, a consideration that may be new to many students.

“Students and families are smart be aware of the risks that come with living on or off campus,” said John Fees, co-founder and CEO of GradGuard. “The average college student brings thousands of dollars worth of personal property to campus, from laptops and bikes and more. The potential financial loss from theft or damage can be substantial.”

Recent Clery Act Reports reveal an alarming average of 24,000 crime and safety incidents are reported annually on college campuses. Over 3 million students living in on-campus housing are likely unaware that their college or university is unlikely to replace stolen or damaged personal property.

• 2,411 robberies were reported on average annually
• 1,840 fires were reported on average annually
• 20,521 burglaries were reported on average annually

This underscores the real risks students face, even in seemingly secure environments like residence halls or campus facilities.

GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance offers a solution tailored specifically to the needs of college students. Here are five compelling reasons why families are smart to consider renters protection:

1. Protection Against Theft: With thousands of reported incidents each year on college campuses nationwide, theft is a genuine concern.
2. Liability Coverage: Unintentional damage happens, especially in shared living spaces. Whether a sprinkler head discharges from a football being tossed around or a student left a candle burning overnight that caused a fire, renters insurance can protect students from financial liability for damage to their residence hall and to others’ property.
3. Affordability: GradGuard’s policies start with a flexible $100 deductible and no credit check, making College Renters Insurance an accessible option for budget-conscious students and families.
4. Worldwide Property Coverage: Protection extends beyond the residence hall, covering students’ belongings whether they’re studying abroad, visiting home on break, or anywhere in the world.
5. Valuable Financial Literacy: Insurance is a part of life, and a college renters insurance policy is often a student’s first insurance policy. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their student’s belongings are protected.

“College is a time for growth and learning, not worrying about replacing stolen or damaged property,” Fees added. “Our goal at GradGuard is to provide affordable, student-focused coverage with no sneaky “gotchas” allowing students to focus on their education.”

For more information about GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance and to explore available policies, visit www.gradguard.com/renters.

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About GradGuard:

GradGuard is the authority on helping schools educate and protect students from the risks of college life. As the #1 provider of college tuition and renters insurance, GradGuard’s pioneering protections have served more than 1.7 million students at more than 1,900 unique institutions.

GradGuard’s national technology platform embeds its innovative insurance protections within the enrollment processes of more than 600 institutions in the United States, helping schools increase college completion and reduce the cost of college by reducing preventable financial losses.

Contact:

Natalie Hubertus
Sr. Director, Marketing
602-341-5947
nhubertus@gradguard.com

Back-to-school deals from Xfinity bring university students the best Internet connection —while still fitting their budget

PHILADELPHIA – August 9, 2024 – Has slow Internet ever dragged you down during critical homework assignments, big sports moments or the finale of Love Island on Peacock? Poor Internet can make schoolwork, entertainment, and socializing online difficult. By rooming with Xfinity Internet, though, your in-home connection can be powerful enough for you to focus on what matters—like studying, streaming and gaming.

University students living off campus may be eligible for Xfinity Internet deals for as low as $25 per month for 12 months, with plug-and-play WiFi equipment included, a one-year price guarantee and no annual contract. The more speed you need, the more benefits you’ll unlock with a free Peacock account, bundled offers with Xfinity Mobile, and a Mastercard gift card that can be used on school expenses or just for fun. Whether you need basic Internet to research for that term paper, or the fastest speeds for streaming or gaming, Xfinity offers three tiers of service.

Visit https://www.xfinity.com/student or scan the QR code below to view the exclusive student offers in your area. You can also sign up by calling 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) or by visiting one of our stores.

Xfinity Internet – A speedy, secure and steady connection.

Xfinity Internet provides a comprehensive connectivity experience that combines a powerful network with sophisticated hardware and software to deliver incredible benefits to consumers in more than 60 million homes and businesses across the country: reliability, capacity to power hundreds of devices at once, digital cyber security protection and next-level experience for streaming, gaming and more.

Xfinity Mobile – The Best Kept Secret in Mobile

While some new roomies can be a nightmare, Xfinity brings a lot to the table. Xfinity also offers a wireless service, Xfinity Mobile. With more than 7 million lines added since its launch in 2017, Xfinity Mobile is one of the fastest growing mobile providers in the country. Rated the fastest mobile service with 5G and millions of WiFi hotspots in Comcast service areas*, Xfinity Mobile delivers a great wireless experience for less money. Xfinity Mobile also has the latest phones, with exclusive offers like up to $1,000 off a new Samsung Galaxy phone.

Learn more about the convenience and reliability Xfinity Mobile offers here.

Xfinity WiFi – A fast and reliable connection, wherever you go.

Xfinity Internet and Mobile customers have free, unlimited access to millions of hotspots across the country in libraries, coffee shops, at transportation platforms, in stadiums and more. Xfinity WiFi allows you to video chat with friends, stream a show, or submit your homework at home and on the go. Whether you are visiting friends, on a road trip, or taking a long weekend with the parents, you’ll have a fast and reliable WiFi connection wherever you go.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Media Contact

Rachel Zabinski Williams
Comcast Corp.
Rachel_zabinski@comcast.com
(215) 513-4438