Over 120 University of Mississippi students were welcomed into the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, which honors the academic excellence of first-generation college students.
Jessica Coker, of Vaiden, majoring in Education, is one of the inductees.
Tori Kitchens, of Carrollton, majoring in Allied Health Studies, is one of the inductees.
The university held an induction ceremony on March 27 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center Student Union Ballroom. Ceremonies on the Booneville, Tupelo, Grenada and DeSoto regional campuses took place in early April.
"Alpha Alpha Alpha represents academic excellence, and the new Tri-Alpha inductees are joining a national, lifelong network of first-gen students and professionals who constantly pursue excellence," said Ashleen Williams, faculty adviser to the UM First-Generation Student Network and instructional assistant professor in the Office of the Provost.
"These ceremonies are an opportunity to recognize achievements and celebrate academic success, and we are glad celebrations were extended to the regional campuses this year."
The University of Mississippi is home to the state's original Tri-Alpha chapter. Tri-Alpha membership is based on students' academic standing, requiring a 3.2 GPA or higher for undergraduates. The society's mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-generation college students, and membership provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service.
The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Recognized among the nation's most beautiful, Ole Miss' main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely acknowledged as one of the country's best college towns.
