Sigma - Alpha Rho Chapter
Updates
Research Day 2026
The Alpha Rho 2026 Biennial Research Conference will be held April 21, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. online. The conference is in partnership with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the Beta Epsilon Chapter of STTI at Duke University. Register to attend the conference online or scan the QR Code below.
Kandzari Lectureship
On Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6 p.m., the WVU School of Nursing will host the Judy C. Kandzari Memorial Lectureship in the Okey Patteson Auditorium of the Health Sciences Center. Dr. Kandzari was a member of the School of Nursing faculty from 1967, until her death in 1996. The Kandzari Memorial Nursing Lectureship was created to honor her memory and pay tribute to her work as the School of Nursing’s first Director of Distance Education.
This year’s celebration features the Judy C. Kandzari Memorial Lectureship, presented by Dr. Devon Noonan, Associate Dean for Community Engagement Science and Director of Rural Health Equity, and Associate Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing. Dr. Noonan is a nationally recognized expert in prevention science, community engagement, and rural public health. The lecture is titled: Rural Health Nursing: Grounded in Community Based Solutions.
In addition to the lecture, the evening will include recognition of outstanding achievements, presentation of awards, and induction of new members into the Alpha Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.
Sigma - Alpha Rho Chapter
Membership
Membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is by eligibility and endorsement and is based on the candidate’s academic and professional achievement.
Candidates join in one of two ways: in their educational programs (BSN, MSN, Doctoral) or as a nurse leader in the community.
Membership in the honor society is life-long; however, to be considered an active member, annual dues must be paid. Honor cords are supplied by the Alpha Rho chapter for new inductees.
Requirements
Eligibility criteria for BSN nursing students include:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Be in the top 35% of the class in their second semester junior year or senior year
Eligibility criteria for graduate students include:
- 3.50 minimum GPA
- Have completed at least one-quarter of the curriculum
History
Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare.
Vision
Connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare.
Mission
Developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere.
A Note on Nurse Leaders
Students in graduate programs who are registered nurses, legally recognized to practice in their country, and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, shall be eligible to be considered as a nurse leader at any point in the program.
Nurse Leaders are those with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree who have demonstrated marked achievement in nursing education, practice, research, administration, or publication.