Summary
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 which have chapters.[1]
| Kappa Tau Alpha | |
|---|---|
| ΚΤΑ | |
 | |
| Founded | March 10, 1910 University of Missouri |
| Type | Honor society |
| Affiliation | ACHS |
| Emphasis | Journalism and mass communication |
| Scope | National |
| Mission statement | To recognize academic excellence and promote scholarship in journalism and mass communication |
| Motto | "The Truth Will Prevail" |
| Colors | Light blue and Gold |
| Symbol | Key with quill pen |
| Publication | KTA Newsletter |
| Chapters | 99 |
| Members | 63,726 lifetime |
| Headquarters | c/o Dr. Beverly Horvit Kappa Tau Alpha School of Journalism University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-1200 USA |
| Website | Kappa Tau Alpha.org |
History edit
The seventh-oldest national honor society, KTA was founded at the University of Missouri in 1910 at the world's second oldest school of journalism. KTA is the only journalism and mass communication society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies and is one of 67 ACHS members.
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.[2]
Symbols edit
The emblem of Kappa Tau Alpha is the key, the oldest symbol of knowledge and communication, with a quill pen. The Greek letters mean "The Truth Will Prevail." The letters also suggest three English words: knowledge, truth and accuracy. The society's colors are light blue, signifying truth; and gold, emblematic of worth and high standards.[1]
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.[3]
Notes edit
References edit
- Kappa Tau Alpha website
- KTA at the University of Missouri
- ACHS Kappa Tau Alpha entry
- Kappa Tau Alpha chapter list at ACHS