"Through Knowledge - the challenge to serve."
Why Phi Alpha?
When the name Phi Alpha is heard, some might think that it is just a club, fraternity, or a way to have an extra medal when they graduate. However, there is more to Phi Alpha. Being in Phi Alpha is an honor. It is the highest honor that one can receive in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. It is a way to recognize the hard work and sacrifice that you have put in to your education. The purpose of Phi Alpha is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. The chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington was started in 2001 by Dr. Joan Rycraft and Dr. Peggy Quinn. In order for it to thrive it needs strong members that will support it by active involvement. The hope is that it will foster a sense of community among those in the social work field. Phi Alpha is a lifetime membership. Why not use Phi Alpha to enrich your resources? Need help with housing for a client? Why not ask one of your fellow Phi Alpha members? Does your client need parenting classes? Maybe a member can help! Help us to realize the desire of having a Phi Alpha “family”-one that helps each other.
How did Phi Alpha get started?
The concept of a National Social Work Honor Society came from a group of undergraduates at Michigan State University. Although local chapters were found to exist, there was no national organization. In November of 1960, a National Honor Society Committee was formed. For the next two years, it worked on the constitution and other administrative matters. Upon approval of the constitution by six chapters in 1962, the National Phi Alpha Honor Society came into being. Over 380 chapters are now in existence, and the addition of new chapters is continuing. The name Phi Alpha and the key symbol were adopted from the local chapter at Florida State University. The name “Phi Alpha” means “Love of Humanity” and our colors are blue and gold.