BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference is pleased to unveil a new conference-wide partnership with Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society.
Founded in 1996, Chi Alpha Sigma is the first and only nonprofit organization to recognize both the academic and athletic accolades and achievements of four-year undergraduate student-athletes. The organization currently boasts more than 400 chapters across 47 states.
Membership in local chapters is an honor bestowed upon selected student-athletes. Selection for membership is determined by an athletics department designee in consultation with the individual's head coach. To be eligible, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher, complete at least four full-time semesters, be a junior or senior in academic standing, and participate in a varsity intercollegiate sport.
Benefits for members include the ability to occur graduation regalia such as medallions and cords, in addition to being able to apply for a postgraduate scholarship.
"Adding the Gulf South Conference to our rapidly expanding list of partners is a reflection of the conference's stated goals of excellence and leadership within NCAA Division II,” stated Chi Alpha Sigma Executive Director Kellen Wells-Mangold. “The conference’s membership had a significant number of established chapters already, but I am thrilled to welcome the remaining member institutions into our community to celebrate all of the achievements earned by the conference's student-athletes."
“The GSC’s partnership with Chi Alpha Sigma is a meaningful step towards enhancing the student-athlete experience, while at the same time being able to celebrate and support their academic achievements,” stated Andrea Anderson, GSC Assistant Commissioner for Compliance. “Our motto has long been ‘Compete. Graduate. Impact.’ and this partnership directly aligns with and supports the core principle of ’Graduate’. Being inducted as a member should be every bit exciting as scoring the game-winning goal, home run or basket.”
For more information about Chi Alpha Sigma and to see the full list of chapters, visit chialphasigma.org.