On May 8, 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, founded in 1776 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Only 10% of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. Oklahoma State University’s Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 2013.

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, 54 students accepted their invitations 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. Amy Martindale, assistant dean of academic services in the College of Arts and Sciences; signed the book of registry; and exchanged a secret handshake with Dr. Stephanie Miller, chapter president.

The Gamma of Oklahoma Chapter welcomed a special member into Phi Beta Kappa on the recommendation of the Committee on Honorary and Alumni Membership. This year’s honorary alumni inductee was Ross McKnight (B.S., ’71).

A former president of the OSU student body, the rancher, banker, and oilman and his wife, Billie, are well known to the OSU community, not least for their deep and longstanding support of numerous programs, foundations, projects and campaigns, including the McKnight Scholars program and, most visibly, The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. McKnight delivered the alumni address with a passionate defense of the arts and an exhortation to students to make their lives significant with service to others.

The chapter thanked Dr. Matthew Schauer, associate professor of history, who gave a short history of Phi Beta Kappa, as well as its Executive Committee: 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, immediate past president Richard Frohock, and Dr. Andrea Bradley.

The Gamma Chapter also thanked supporters, such as Gary Clark, former OSU vice president and general counsel, and Dr. Keith Garbutt, dean of the Honors College. Other special guests attending the ceremony included Blaire Atkinson, president of the OSU Foundation; Mark Blakeman, Carl and Marilyn Thoma Executive Director of the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts; and Josh Taylor, director of the Hargis Leadership Institute. Finally, the Gamma Chapter was joined by past honorary inductees Dr. Edward Jones, Regents Professor of English (2023); Dr. Jerry McCoy (2025); and Lou Watkins (2022).

The Gamma Chapter of Oklahoma of Phi Beta Kappa welcomed the following new student members into its ranks:

• Claire Baggett
• Julian Barber
• Norah Blew
• Anna Bosma
• Brynly Brown
• Mackenzie Capages
• Damaris Chaparro Rivas
• Wesley Cochran
• Kathlyne Cook
• Audrey Dixon
• Aydan Dow
• Espn Dreyer
• Sereen Elkhalid
• Kaitlyn Ferguson
• Genevieve Frenier
• Camie Garcia
• Lauren Glasco
• Harley Handle
• Holli Hendrick
• Kristina Hough
• Kylee Howard
• Emillia Hubbard
• Elaina Johnston
• Peyton Kaehler
• Sukesh Kamesh
• Hunter Kehr
• Kenna Lake
• Beau Lamoreaux
• Jordan Landers
• Amelia Larson
• Brandon Lee
• Winter Lewis
• Idaly Lopez
• Allie Malone
• Taegan Michel
• Ashlee Munoz
• Abby Nesselrode
• Tynli Nickell
• Parker Perry
• Shiann Ramirez
• Anna Ramsay
• Camden Roberts
• Kinsey Sharber
• Isabella Summers
• Mykah Swaim
• Juen Tan
• Jodi Tarbet
• Zoe Thompson
• Alivia Weddle
• Emily Wolfe
• Savannah Wooten
• Julie Zbavitel

OSU’s Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa is housed in The Honors College. More information can be found at pbk.okstate.edu.