Language study remains essential in an interconnected world.

That’s why the creation of the Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, a nationally recognized honor society dedicated to excellence in language study, is significant: It reflects the strength of language education on Stetson’s campus.

“Establishing a new chapter required demonstrating that Stetson has a strong language program and students who consistently meet Phi Sigma Iota’s national standards,” said Joshua Deckman, an assistant professor of Spanish and Latine/x Studies. “It was a collaborative effort involving our department, university leadership (Dr. Kyle Longest, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences) and the national organization. As part of the application, I submitted catalog descriptions for our majors, minors and courses that align with Phi Sigma Iota’s mission of excellence in language and cultural studies. We are grateful that the national organization recognized the quality of our program and students by approving the Theta Chi Chapter for Stetson.”

Stetson is among many institutions across the country that recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the study of world languages and cultures. Establishing a Phi Sigma Iota chapter signals that Stetson students are actively engaged in language learning and global education, preparing them for careers and lives that increasingly require cross-cultural communication and understanding. 

Beyond developing linguistic proficiency, students gain cultural knowledge, global awareness and the ability to engage meaningfully with diverse communities. These skills are increasingly valued by employers, graduate programs and organizations working across national and cultural boundaries.

The establishment of the Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota provides formal recognition for student excellence in language learning while elevating the visibility of the university’s language programs within the campus community.

“Members may apply for national funding to hold cultural events or speaking engagements that might encourage other students to be excited about language learning and follow in their footsteps,” said Deckman. “Chapter members will serve as ambassadors while mentoring first- or second-year students and promoting study abroad opportunities.”

The arrival of the nation’s premier foreign language honor society also demonstrates Stetson’s commitment to global education, intercultural competency and the study of world languages at a time when multilingual skills are increasingly valuable in professional, academic and civic life.

Membership in the honor society is by invitation and recognizes students who have demonstrated sustained academic excellence. Students must meet rigorous national standards, including advanced coursework in a foreign language and a strong GPA. The society recognizes achievement across a range of disciplines related to language study, including modern languages, classics, linguistics, comparative literature, language education and other interdisciplinary programs with significant language components.

Undergraduate students must be:

• Enrolled in the Institution represented by the Chapter
• Have completed at least one course in a foreign language at the third-year level or its equivalent (fifth semester or seventh quarter)
• Have completed 45 semester hours or its equivalent
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

As members, students become part of a national network of scholars, can apply for scholarships, pursue leadership opportunities, publish in the society’s journal and participate in chapter activities that promote languages and cultures on campus. 

As Deckman explained, “Receiving this national charter reinforces the value of language study as a central component of a liberal arts education.”