Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Only Chapter of 17 in the State To Receive 2013 Award
ATLANTA – The Pi Gamma Chapter of The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) at Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing recently received the society’s Chapter Key Award for the 2011-2013 biennium.
“Of the 17 STTI chapters in Georgia, Pi Gamma was the only chapter to receive the 2013 award, and is the only Georgia chapter to receive the award seven times,” said Dr. Tammy Barbé, assistant professor of nursing and president of Pi Gamma.
The Chapter Key Award was established by STTI, the honor society of nursing, in 1991 to recognize chapters that excel in activities such as membership recruitment and retention, professional and leadership development and local, national and international collaboration.
The College of Nursing’s Pi Gamma Chapter was chartered in 1998 and was presented with its first Chapter Key Award in 2001. The chapter has continued to receive the award every biennium for a total of seven awards. Pi Gamma was praised for its methods used to connect with chapter members, collaboration with other organizations and provision of leadership opportunities for chapter members. Greatest commendation was given for the number of scholarships awarded to chapter members.
Chapters from all over the world received the 2013 Chapter Key Award.
The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and Pi Gamma have been longstanding supporters of STTI. For more than a decade, the College and chapter have consistently sponsored the Grand Exhibit Hall and dessert reception at the Biennial Convention. Pi Gamma fosters leadership development of new members by sending one or more leadership interns to the biennial convention. Pi Gamma members support global health care initiatives through involvement with collecting personal care items to support the University’s Mercer On Mission initiative. Both faculty and student members have provided hands-on, culturally appropriate patient care in countries such as Honduras and Cambodia.
Pi Gamma received the award at the Chapter Awards Celebration on Nov. 18 during STTI’s 42nd Biennial International Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Barbé accepted the award on the chapter’s behalf.
“What an honor it was to stand in front of an international nursing audience and accept the 2013 Chapter Key Award on behalf of our 262 active members. Our members live out the STTI mission daily: to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. I am fortunate to be a member and leader of such a diverse and dynamic chapter and international organization,” she said.
About the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International
The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Founded in 1922, STTI has more than 125,000 members in 90 countries. Members include practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others. STTI’s 480 chapters are located at institutions of higher education throughout Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Swaziland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United States and Wales. More information about STTI can be found online at sigmanursing.org.
About the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
Founded in 1902 as a school of nursing, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is the oldest nursing program in Georgia. Over its 111-year history, the College has graduated more than 7,200 nurses. Since its founding, the College remains dedicated to educating the person, fostering the passion and shaping the future of nursing. The College merged with Mercer University in 2001 and offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Ph.D. in nursing.
