Shorter University's chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha earns national honors

February 28, 2011 - Shorter University’s Kappa Chi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was recognized nationally at the 2010 Zeta Tau Alpha Summer Convention. After three years of having the highest grade point average (GPA) of Zetas in Georgia, the Kappa Chi chapter has now surpassed the leading chapter and is holds the highest GPA of Zetas in the nation.

In the last two years, ZTA has held the highest GPA of all Greek life at Shorter University. With a Greek system that puts an emphasis on academic excellence, the current overall Greek life GPA at Shorter is 3.17. “By being actively involved on campus, Greeks develop time management skills,” Emily Messer, director of Student Life said, indicating that these skills will lead to better grades.

Hillary Crunk, a sophomore international studies major, said, “As a small school, it is such an honor to be recognized nationally for our excellence, especially after all of our hard work.” With their continued efforts, Kappa Chi will be a strong contender at the 2012 Convention in Louisville, Ky., for the Golden Anniversary Academic Achievement Award, given to the chapter with the highest academic average for the biennium.

With a chapter GPA of 3.45, Kappa Chi demonstrated a strong support system—helping one another with schoolwork and study tips. Member enrichment classes are held each semester in order to keep education a high priority. Member enrichment classes are fun activities that enhance the knowledge or lives of the 57 members Shorter’s in Kappa Chi.

These activities can range from a skin and sun exposure class before spring break, a class on how to change a tire, and classes based around academics such as providing the chapter with an opportunity to share important information about their courses, help each other with projects and discuss any topic regarding school. In doing this, the members are able to help others that share the same major. Rewards are given out within the chapter for scholastic achievement each semester.

Kappa Chi also earned the Crown Chapter Award for overall chapter excellence and the Founders Club Award for raising $25,000 or more over the biennium for the ZTA Foundation.


Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christian University committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges. The University offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Leadership and the Master of Accountancy.  Online courses and degree programs are also available. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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