![Founders Hall](http://swu4.lanyanshen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/founders.jpg)
Athens State University has been accepted as a new member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) as its Beta Phi At-Large chapter, which is in conjunction with the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Sigma is an international community of nurses, dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, learning, and service through the cultivation of communities of practice, education, and research. It is the only international honor society for nurses.
Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, Sigma has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare.
“Athens State University is honored and privileged to be officially associated with the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma), Beta Phi At-Large Chapter,” said Dr. Mark Reynolds, Chief Nurse Administrator and Assistant Professor of Nursing. “Sigma is a nursing organization that recognizes academic achievement, encourages leadership, and promotes high professional standards. The organization’s mission is to develop nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. This association will be an asset for our Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and we look forward to inducting eligible students into this prestigious organization. Personally, as a member of Sigma since 2007, I have been involved in various research collaboratives, philanthropic missions, and leadership development programs which are the essence of nursing leadership and nursing practice.”
Athens State will induct its first class of Sigma members this fall. For more information about Sigma, please visit www.sigmanursing.org.