Audience seated in rows inside a large, well-lit hall watching a person in academic regalia speaking at a podium, with presentation slides projected on three screens at the front.

OSU Phi Beta Kappa inducts McCoy, Upson and 34 student members

Monday, May 12, 2025

Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu

On Friday, May 9, the Gamma of Oklahoma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa initiated its newest class of members.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society in the United States, having been formed in 1776 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Oklahoma State University’s Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 2013. Only 10% of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters.

OSU seniors are invited to join Phi Beta Kappa based on their records of academic excellence and pursuit of the liberal arts and sciences. Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes a student’s high level of scholarly distinction; lifetime membership in the society acknowledges the student’s potential for a lifetime of learning and outstanding achievement in their chosen pursuits.

This academic year, 34 students accepted their invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa with majors spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. This prestigious cohort makes up less than one percent of OSU’s more than 4,000 undergraduates who participated in commencement this year, a remarkable achievement highlighted by Vice Provost Chris Francisco in his opening remarks.

As part of the initiation ceremony, students took an oath; had their Phi Beta Kappa cords conferred by Dr. Rebecca Brienen, professor of art history and associate dean for personnel and faculty development; signed the book of registry; and exchanged a secret handshake with Dr. Stephanie Miller, chapter president.

The Gamma of Oklahoma chapter welcomed two members into Phi Beta Kappa on the recommendation of the Committee on Honorary and Alumni Membership, chaired by Dr. Robert Graalman.

This year’s honorary inductee was Dr. Jerry McCoy, who served as choral director and conductor of the OSU Chamber Choir and Concert Chorale from 1984 to 2000. McCoy noted that his time in the musical life of OSU made possible his later successes on national and international stages.

This year’s alumni inductee was Matt Upson, professor at the OSU Library. Upson delivered the alumni address, exhorting students to expand and adapt their notion of a liberal arts education as preparation for all aspects of their lives, especially its increasingly crucial skills of information literacy.

Dr. Matthew Schauer, associate professor of history, gave a short history of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Jon Comer, as marshal, opened the ceremony by presenting the members-elect; chapter Vice President Kala Davis oversaw the proceedings, assisted by Secretary Molly Strothmann, Associate Dean Richard Frohock, and Dr. Andrea Hearn.

Special guests were: Dean Stringer, alumnus and longtime Phi Beta Kappa benefactor, and Gary Clark, former OSU vice president and general counsel. Student Eva Cole provided piano music.

The new student members are as follows: