ISSUED: 4 May 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Students transferring to Shepherd University will now be able to join a chapter of Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Tau Sigma was founded in 1999 with a goal of recognizing the academic achievement of students who transfer from other schools.
Shepherd’s new chapter, which is the first to be established in West Virginia, has 20 charter members including Lori Barnhart, interim president, and Antonio “Vinnie” Sorrentino, interim vice president. A formal induction ceremony and the election of officers will take place in the fall semester.
“It is an honor to be the interim president for Tau Sigma National Honor Society,” Barnhart said. “I look forward to building the chapter’s presence, while also being able to mentor and encourage all transfer students coming into Shepherd and helping them make the transition to this university.”
Shannon Holliday, coordinator for students in transition in the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Kelly Pannill, academic advisor in the Advising Assistance Center, are faculty advisors for the chapter.
“We know many high-achieving students may begin their college career at other institutions and then transfer to Shepherd to finish their bachelor’s degrees,” Pannill said. “Every year we see these students achieve great things in our classrooms and our community. This honor society is just one more way we can recognize these students for their outstanding accomplishments.”
“Tau Sigma members have opportunities to compete for national scholarships, attend a national leadership conference, host campus social and academic events, and assist incoming transfer students as they find their place at Shepherd,” Holliday said. “Student leaders can play a powerful role in their peers’ success, and members of Tau Sigma can offer a high level of academic and social support to other students at Shepherd.”
To be eligible for Tau Sigma, students must transfer to Shepherd from another academic institution with at least one full year of academic credit, be registered as a full-time student in a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. There are currently more than 150 nationally recognized Tau Sigma chapters.
For more information, call Holliday at 304-876-5461 or Pannill at 304-876-5239.
— 30 —
