Success Continues for UK's Phi Kappa Phi Chapter

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2012) — As it prepares for its annual induction ceremony Oct. 29, the University of Kentucky chapter of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP), the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society, has proven to stand out among the more than 300 chapters across the country plus others abroad by being recognized as a 2012 'Chapter of Excellence.'  The UK chapter is one of only 19 to be honored with this designation, which included two student members winning awards for their academic achievements.

The UK Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi was established in 2009.  Each fall, the chapter initiates eligible juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders into its ranks.  PKP recognizes students for their academic excellence and service to the community.  The deadline for prospective new student inductees to inform PKP of their intention to join the organization is Oct. 14. 

Two UK students, Taylor Lloyd and Brittany Kidwell, were awarded scholarships through the national office of PKP this year for their hard work.

Lloyd was awarded the $5,000 PKP Fellowship, which will be used to help pay for her tuition or housing for the current year.  “This award is a great honor and also a relief. Funding education can be a burden no matter what discipline, and this will allow me to escape the struggle of paying off educational loans on a teacher’s salary,” Lloyd said.  

While at UK as an undergraduate, Lloyd earned a dual degree in agricultural biotechnology and biology.  In addition to her studies, Lloyd was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, UK 101 Peer Instructor and a Chellgren Fellow where she completed research dealing with seed biology.  She is now pursuing her master's in education, also from UK, and eventually plans on becoming a high school teacher.

The second award recipient, Kidwell, is currently a fourth-year student in the UK College of Pharmacy pursuing her Pharm.D.  She was awarded a $1,000 study abroad grant, where she was able to study for six weeks in Edinburgh, Scotland.  While overseas, Kidwell conducted research at the National Health Service Scotland and was in charge of studying the comparisons of antibacterial use in different populations.

According to Kidwell, the experiences she was able to gain abroad as a result of the PKP grant have continued to help in her pharmacy studies.  "My study abroad experience helped widen my perspective on health care as well as broaden my experiences in pharmacy and research, all while exploring another gorgeous country," added Kidwell.  She plans on becoming a pharmacist and possibly pursuing a residency in the future.

The UK chapter of PKP is led by Emmett "Buzz" Burnam, student affairs coordinator in the Office of Admissions and Registrar, who serves as the chapter president.  "As a president you hope to keep developing the chapter to its highest potential, and I think this year we were able to show how talented our members are through not only being named a Chapter of Excellence, but also having some of our members receive grants and awards," said Burnam, who also actively participates in the national PKP organization and is able to bring back many ideas to the local chapter.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and boasts more than 1 million members, a global network comprised of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines.  It is a community of scholars and professionals with the goal of building an enduring legacy for future generations.

For more information on Phi Kappa Phi, please call 1-800-804-9880 or visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Tess Perica, (859) 257-8716; or, Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200