The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the three finalists for its inaugural Excellence in Innovation Award. The $100,000 award, given once per biennium, will recognize an institution for achievement in finding powerful answers to important local, regional, national or global challenges.

The finalists, selected by a jury of emeritus presidents and provosts, were chosen from a pool of six semifinalists representing multifaceted projects at institutions across the nation. Each institution was assessed on the project’s ability to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes to create systemic large-scale change.

The three institutions chosen as finalists are:

• Arizona State University
• California State University, Fullerton
• Tulane University

“The quality of applications for the inaugural Excellence in Innovation Award presented the jurors a true challenge, each portfolio offering evidence of the creative, sustainable innovations being developed regularly on campuses from coast to coast,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “Phi Kappa Phi is thrilled to recognize the three finalist institutions for their projects, which, while unique, are also readily adaptable by other institutions.” 

The inaugural recipient will be announced Monday, May 16, and will receive $100,000 in tangible recognition of its best practice in response to the changes and challenges facing higher education in the 21st century. The award will be presented at the Society’s biennial convention on July 30 in Atlanta, Ga.

The three semifinalist institutions receiving honorable mention are The Evergreen State College, James Madison University and The New School.

Since 1933, Phi Kappa Phi has awarded fellowships and grants to members and students on its chapter campuses. Currently, more than $500,000 is awarded annually through programs that last year recognized over 270 individuals. The Excellence in Innovation Award is the Society’s only award for institutions.

For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org/innovation.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi annually inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni. The Society has chapters at more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of second-term juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit us here.