Phi Alpha Honor Society is welcoming new students to join our
chapter at UMBC. Our mission, as stated on the National Honor Society
website, is to “provide a closer bond among students of social work
and promote humanitarian goals and ideals.” We hope that you will get
involved with the chapter and take advantage of the opportunities your
membership affords you to learn, grow, and make a difference.
Membership Eligibility
Students are eligible to join if they meet all of the following
criteria:
- Have declared social work as a major
- Have achieved sophomore status
- Have completed nine semester hours of required social work
courses - Have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0
out of a possible 4.0 - Have achieved a 3.50 grade point average in required or elective
social work courses
History of Phi Alpha
Phi Alpha, the National Social Work Honor Society, was established
in 1962. The purpose of the Honor Society is to “provide a closer bond
among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and
ideals.” Furthermore, Phi Alpha “fosters high standards of education
for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained
excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.” At present,
there are 62 chapters of the Honor Society in schools around the
country, including the established chapter here at UMBC.
For more information, visit the
Phi Alpha National Website
(opens in new tab),
or contact the UMBC Phi Alpha officers about our local chapter.
2026–2027 Executive Board
Main Campus
- President
- Josie Prentice
- Vice President
- Melitza Victoria Escobar
- Treasurer
- Alycia Wilson
- Secretary
- Kolby Reese
- Communications/Activity Liaison
- Raquel Mejia
Shady Grove Campus
- President
- Sergio Hernandez
- Vice President
- Sheilla Nkwenji
- Treasurer/Secretary
- Shannelle Hanson