Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary. Since then, Phi Beta Kappa has evolved to become the nation’s leading advocate for the liberal arts and sciences at the undergraduate level. Alma College’s chapter is one of 280 in the United States and 8 in Michigan.

Scott Messing, Professor of Music, is the current president of Alma’s chapter.

Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa is wholly within the discretion of the members of the local chapter; eligibility guidelines are available as a PDF document.

 

Alma College ranks second in the nation in the percentage of students who participate in alternative break service trips, according to Break Away, the national organization that supports the development of alternative break experiences that inspire lifelong active citizenship. Last year, Alma students provided flood relief, built affordable homes, planned activities for terminally ill children, constructed wheelchair ramps, worked with immigrants, and assisted in after-school programs.

 

Faculty Profile

Dr. Jeff Turk
Departments: Chemistry

Dr. Jeff Turk’s parents sealed his fate when they bought him a chemistry set at age nine. The last three weeks of his high school AP Chemistry class sparked his interest in organic chemistry.

The assistant professor of chemistry joined Alma faculty in 2006 after earning his undergraduate degree at Cleveland State University and his masters and doctoral degrees at the University of Cincinnati.