Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International
Beta Kappa is a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the only International Honor Society of Nursing. Our mission is to foster excellence, scholarship and leadership in nursing to improve health care worldwide.
Our Purpose
- Recognize superior nursing achievements
- Promote the development of leadership qualities
- Foster the ideals and standards of the profession
- Encourage creative activity and scholarship
- Mentor students to professional excellence
Membership
The annual deadline for membership applications is July 1.Questions? Email Vickie Southall.
Awards
Distinguished Nurse Award (Nominations due December 1 even years, presented in odd years)
The purpose of this award is to recognize a nurse who receives local, national, and/or international recognition as a nursing leader; influences leadership in nursing through visionary and innovative approaches; creates an environment that enhances the image of nursing; and/or participates in the development of nursing leaders and leadership.
Community Service Award (Nominations due December 1 in odd years, awarded in even years)
The purpose of this award is to recognize community leaders who have influenced healthcare in the social, political, economic and/or institutional arena. Criteria include: endorsement and support from nursing, other health professionals, and community leaders; local, statewide, and/or national contributions as an advocate of nursing and/or healthcare; and contributions that significantly enhance the level of health or healthcare of the community.
Professional Development Travel Award (due January 15th)
This award helps members pay for travel expenses to attend conferences for professional development. The award will be given annually in the amount of $200. The member will be asked to write a summary of the conference highlights to be published in the Beta Kappa newsletter and/or shared by email distribution. To be eligible for this award the applicant must be a Beta Kappa member. Individuals will be limited to one Professional Development Award within a 2-year period. Applications will be judged on the quality of the conference, the relevance of the applicant’s practice, and the involvement of the member in Beta Kappa activities. Preference will be given to applications from individuals without additional resources for travel funding.
Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award (due January 15th, odd years)
This award was established in the name of Nancy Hilt, a nursing leader and a strong supporter of creative and innovative nursing practice. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding contributions of young professional nurses among the members of Beta Kappa Chapter. To be eligible for this award, the candidate must:
- Be a member in good standing of Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
- Demonstrate a broad range of advanced skills in nursing, which lead to excellence in the care of patients, develop innovative solutions to nursing problems, and serve as an effective mentor and role model to other nurses
- Influence policies and procedures that increase the quality of nursing care, uphold the highest ethical standards & contribute to professional and/or community organizations
Nancy Ballard Scholarship Award for students (due January 15th, even years)
Nancy Ballard, a charter member of our chapter, was a strong supporter of scholarship. This award was established in her name to provide assistance towards scholarly pursuits by student members of the Beta Kappa Chapter. A $1,000 scholarship is given biennially. To be eligible for this award, the candidate must:
- be a member, in good standing, of Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
- be invested in development of nursing scholarship
- be a full- or part-time student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in nursing
Selection is based on evidence of scholarship and academic achievement and a brief statement explaining your specific plans for the award money in the pursuit of your educational goals.
Research Dissemination Award (due December 15 and April 15)
The purpose of this award is to help members pay for travel expenses to conferences when presenting their research findings. The award will be given twice annually in the amount of $500 each time. The member’s name, title of abstract, and conference will be published in the Beta Kappa newsletter. To be eligible for this award the applicant must be a Beta Kappa member, and be presenting research at a regional, national, or international meeting. Individuals will be limited to one Research Dissemination Award within a two year period. Applications will be judged on the quality of the research design, the relevance of the research to nursing, and involvement of the member in Beta Kappa activities. Paper presentations will be given priority over poster presentations.
Phyllis Verhonick Clinical Research Award (due May 1)
Phyllis J. Verhonick believed in the fundamental importance of clinical research in the practice of nursing. She was also committed to supporting the efforts of beginning nurse researchers. A Beta Kappa Chapter research fund was established in 1979 in Dr. Verhonick’s honor. The purpose of this award is to provide a grant ($1,000) to a nurse researcher to investigate clinical nursing problems. Recipients must be Beta Kappa members who propose a clinical nursing research study. Criteria for proposal evaluation include:
- Scientific merit of the proposed research study
- Relevance of the proposed research to nursing practice
- Beta Kappa activities of the investigator(s)
- Prior approval from appropriate human investigation or IRB committees
Awards Committee, Gina DeGennaro, Chair
Research Awards Committee, Randy Jones, Chair
Beta Kappa Chapter Officers July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009
President David Simmons 2008-2010
Immediate Past President Anita Thompson Heisterman
Vice President Madeline Jones 2008-2010
Secretary Debbie Cox 2007-2009
Treasurer Jeanne Erickson (second term) 2008-2010
Governance Committee Chair Reba Childress 2007-2009
Eligibility Subcommittee Chair Vickie Southall 2007-2009
Bylaws Subcommittee Chair Terry Lucas 2007-2009
Membership Subcommittee Chair Mary Gibson 2007-2009
Governance Committee Member Aletha Rowlands 2008-2010
Leadership Succession Committee Chair Marilu Dixon 2007-2009
Nominations Subcommittee Members
Kathy Cozzi 2008-2010
Dorothy Tullman 2008-2010
Malinda Whitlow 2008-2010
Mentorship Subcommittee Chair Karen Rose 2007-2009
Awards Chair, Gina DeGennaro (second term) 2008-2010
Archives Rebecca Harmon (second term) 2008-2009
Finance Committee Chair Suellen Schyner (second term) 2008-2009
Fundraising Chair David Mercer (second term) 2008-2009
Newletter Editor Mina Ford (second term) 2008-2010
Publicity Chair Julie LeGault 2007-2009
Research Awards Chair Randy Jones 2007-2009
UVa Wise Faculty Counselor Debra Carter
Region 13 Coordinator Diana Foley 2007-2009 Biennial
