The Alpha Tau chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honors Society for International Scholars at the University of Iowa recently received the Eileen Evans Outstanding Chapter Award. “The award is to recognize outstanding service to the Society, significant chapter growth and development, and exemplar programming to promote international education,” said Yashwant Prakash Vyas, president and chapter coordinator.

Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars is an academic and professional society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in global education. The society’s mission is to recognize achievement in international educational interchange and to serve as a catalyst to increase the recognition, credibility, and importance of the international experience, and develop a network of individuals involved in international experiences. The Alpha Tau Chapter at the University of Iowa is led by Vyas, assistant director of Diversity Resources in the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a collaboration between International Programs and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“The Alpha Tau Chapter provides meaningful recognition for faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and students involved in international educational interchange. It also provides a platform for individuals to address issues facing global education as well as to build community. These two actions strategically contribute to promoting international educational interchange at the University of Iowa, which is a crucial aspect of the University given its status as a Tier 1 research university with international reach,” said Vyas.

After a long gap of inactivity, Vyas proposed and led the efforts to revive the Alpha Tau chapter. Since reactivation in  Spring 2020 the Chapter has welcomed 173 new members—including faculty, staff, students, and visiting scholars. The chapter has excelled at providing outstanding programming. For example, the Global Education Lecture Series has attracted audience members nationwide, and the chapter recently created an affinity graduation celebration for international students to celebrate their collective experience and achievements.

“International Programs is extremely proud of its collaboration with the Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion in reviving the UI chapter of Phi Beta Delta,” says Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. “The chapter’s success this past year illustrates how closely global education and efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion are intertwined. IP looks forward to extending and deepening this partnership in the future.”

The Alpha Tau Chpater received the Eileen Evans Outstanding Chapter Award at the annual society conference, which was held virtually this year.

For additional information, please see https://phibetadelta.org.uiowa.edu/. Interested in becoming a member of Phi Beta Delta? Check out information about membership criteria here, https://phibetadelta.org.uiowa.edu/membership-and-recognition-0.