Posted: Monday, August 17, 2020

Lora Becker, PhD, was recently elected to serve as president-elect for Phi Kappa Phi (PKP), a collegiate honor society that recognizes scholarship among all academic disciplines. Becker is a professor of psychology and director of the neuroscience program at the University of Evansville. 

In her role, Becker will serve on Phi Kappa Phi’s 12-person board of directors. While her term lasts through 2022, her election is a six-year commitment including the successive terms as president and past-president. Voting for the title took place electronically at the beginning of the month, as the in-person convention was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Although meetings and activities will look different during the pandemic, Becker is looking forward to working with other PKP leaders and scholars. “Serving in this society has given me a deep understanding of how Phi Kappa Phi promotes academic excellence and provides service to others,” said Becker. “Because of the diversity of fields represented within the organization, Phi Kappa Phi is well positioned to help find solutions to questions we face during these uncertain and challenging times in higher education.” 

Becker has been an active member of PKP not only within the University but also at the national level. After gaining membership in 2014, she became the president of the UE chapter just one year later. Becker has also served as chair of the biennial convention credentials committee (2016) and chair of the national bylaws committee (2016-18).  

Under Becker’s leadership, the local chapter at UE has provided several opportunities for students. One such opportunity includes the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, in which nominees across the nation are awarded scholarship at the post-graduate level. This year, graduate Émile Moura Coelho da Silva was selected as a fellow. 

“Moving forward, we need to determine how we can encourage members to show their love of learning through service to others with a goal of engaging their communities and removing barriers to education,” said Becker. She believes these initiatives will improve the narrative surrounding the value of education, support current discussions on social justice, and facilitate future conversations about higher education. 

Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society, with chapters at over 300 colleges and universities in the United States and the Philippines. Inducting approximately 30,000 new members each year, membership is awarded to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students. More information about Phi Kappa Phi is available on their website. 

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