Shorter University’s Kappa Chi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity has been recognized by the national organization as the chapter with the highest academic average in the nation for the two-year period from 2014 to 2016.

The Golden Anniversary Academic Award was presented at Zeta Tau Alpha’s biennial convention in Phoenix, Ariz. The award was accompanied by a silver platter that has a list of winners of the award on the back.

Shorter’s Kappa Chi chapter also received the Quota/Total award for maintaining maximum chapter size; the Crown Chapter Award for excellence in all facets of chapter programming, including service, recruiting, finances, scholastics, member involvement, and chapter management; the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester; and recognition as a Founder’s Club member for fundraising at the $10,000 level.

Kappa Chi President Blair Addison said she is proud of the chapter for receiving these awards, particularly the Academic Award. She said the chapter strives to maintain a high GPA and is happy to see their hard work pay off in a huge way.

“Being a small chapter, we were not expecting to bring home a silver award this year. I hope to see the chapter strive for more silver awards at the next biennial convention,” Addison said.

Shorter’s Kappa Chi chapter is at maximum size of 44 members for the 2016-17 academic year. The average total for the 2014-2016 biennium was 41 members.

The Kappa Chi chapter works to promote breast cancer awareness and education by hosting events throughout the year and raising money for the philanthropy. The chapter hosts an annual 5k, conducts the Big Man on Campus pageant, sells strawberries, and hosts pink out games on campus. The chapter also hosts social events to promote sisterhood, inter-Greek relations, and family involvement.

Kappa Chi was installed in 2005 and has been an award-receiving chapter for many years.

Greek advisor Cassie Thomas, Shorter’s director of student life, said she was proud to see Kappa Chi win the award. Thomas has served as the Greek faculty advisor since 2014 and is proud to see Greek organizations receive high honors.

“The chapter not only does a great job with philanthropy and social events but also strives for excellence in academics,” Thomas said.

Member Kelsi Chastain is proud of her chapter having the highest GPA in the nation. The chapter’s executive council sets GPA requirements for the members to uphold, and Chastain said that the members aim to go beyond the minimum requirements.

“We work really hard for it,” Chastain said. “We have study groups and many of us are tutors. Also, we have an academic chair, Emily Mays, who keeps us all in line.”

Prepared by student writer Caleb Britt

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

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