Kappa Tau Alpha

Kappa Tau Alpha
ΚΤΑ
FoundedMarch 10, 1910; 114 years ago (1910-03-10)
University of Missouri
TypeHonor society
AffiliationACHS
StatusActive
EmphasisJournalism and mass communication
ScopeNational
Motto"The Truth Will Prevail"
Colors  Light blue and   Gold
SymbolKey with a quill pen
PublicationKTA Newsletter
Chapters99
Members1,248 active
64,974 lifetime
Headquartersc/o Dr. Beverly Horvit
School of Journalism
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri 65211-1200
United States
Websitewww.kappataualpha.org

Kappa Tau Alpha is an American college honor society which recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication. Membership must be earned by excellence in academic work at one of the colleges and universities that have chapters.[1]

History

Kappa Tau Alpha was founded at the University of Missouri on March 10, 1910.[2] Its purpose is to recognize and encourage excellent scholarship and professionalism in journalism and mass communication.[2]

When Kappa Tau Alpha was founded it was limited to only men. However, the society lapsed during World War I and when it was reorganized after the war it was broadened to allow women students.[3] It was admitted into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1951.[2]

In May 2011, it had 94 active chapters, 1,248 collegiate members, and 64,974 total members.[2] As of 2024, it has 99 active chapters.[4]

Symbols

Kappa Tau Alpha means "The Truth Will Prevail."[5] Its Greek letter represent the words: knowledge, truth and accuracy.[5] The society's colors are light blue, signifying truth; and gold, emblematic of worth and high standards.[1] The emblem of Kappa Tau Alpha is the key, the oldest symbol of knowledge and communication, with a quill pen. Its publication is the KTA Newsletter.[2]

Membership

Juniors, seniors, and graduate students majoring in journalism or mass communication who are in the top ten percent of their class are eligible for membership.[5][2] Membership is by invitation.[2]

Activities

Kappa Tau Alpha presents the AEJMC student awards for research papers and the Frank Luther Mott/Kappa Tau Alpha Award for best journalism or mass community research-based book.[2] The society co-sponsors the Kappa Tau Alpha-AEJMC Awards luncheon at the annual convention of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.[6]

Chapters

Main article: List of Kappa Tau Alpha chapters

In 2024, Kappa Tau Alpha had 99 active chapters.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Kappa Tau Alpha website Retrieved January 1, 2011
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society- Journalism and Mass Communication". Association of College Honor Societies. May 23, 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2024-08-21 – via web.archive.org.
  3. ^ University of Missouri (1925). Journalism Series. The University. p. 12.
  4. ^ a b "Chapters". Kappa Tau Alpha. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  5. ^ a b c "Missouri School of Journalism: Kappa Tau Alpha". 2012-01-05. Archived from the original on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  6. ^ Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Retrieved March 1, 2011