The JSU Kappa Omicron Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta recently held its spring 2019 induction ceremony and had a record 51 new inductees from various disciplines and majors. In addition to seniors, a majority of juniors and a few sophomores joined. “We are excited to have a new group of students ready to be leaders and to carry out the mission of promoting literacy, effective written and oral communication, and a love of literature,” says Dr. Helen Crump, assistant professor, Department of English, Foreign Languages & Speech Communication..
The Kappa Omicron Chapter at JSU has participated in various activities over the years. Such activities include creating and hosting the 2019 Afrofurturism Conference (organized by current chapter president Arrison Martin, senior English major), supporting the Angie Thomas Talk (arranged by English professor Dr. Shanna Smith) in 2018, annually volunteering at the Margaret Walker Center’s Creative Arts Festival, hosting a Creative Arts & Scholarship Contest and Journal for JSU students, working with local schools to read to elementary students for Dr. Seuss’ Read Across America Day, visiting and creating “This Is Me” books with the children at the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, and holding a book drive for a local elementary school, among other things.
In addition to Arrison Martin, outgoing Kappa Omicron chapter President, Tiffanie Herron serves as Kappa Omicron chapter Vice President. Faculty advisors include Dr. RaShell Smith-Spears, associate professor of English and Dean’s Fellow with the College of Liberal Arts; Dr. Helen Crump, associate professor of English; and Ms. Sheila Salins, instructor of English.
According to the national Sigma Tau Delta website, the organization’s vision is “Transforming the World with Words.”
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 faculty advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.” The Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society has been “a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) since 1972.