The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), was founded in 1922 by six nurses at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses, now the Indiana University School of Nursing. Since its inception, STTI has grown to become a global organization with over 500 chapters across approximately 695 institutions of higher education worldwide.

The society's mission is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. To achieve this mission, STTI fosters scholarly inquiry by providing financial support for ongoing research and recognizing outstanding research efforts through an annual award. The Alpha Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International at West Virginia University School of Nursing has initiated over 800 undergraduate students, graduate students, and community leaders since its inception in 1966.

STTI is committed to fulfilling its mission by inviting notable nursing leaders to share their insights on the latest trends in nursing. The society also communicates regularly with more than 100 nurse leaders who have expressed interest in establishing chapters globally, including those in Chile, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, India, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Jamaica, Jordan, New Zealand, and Spain.

The organization has a diverse membership base, with roughly 39 percent of active members holding master's and/or doctoral degrees. Additionally, STTI has a significant presence globally, with members residing in more than 85 countries worldwide. The society is incorporated as Sigma Theta Tau International Inc., a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax status in the United States.

The founders chose the name Sigma Theta Tau from the Greek words Storgé, Tharsos, and Timé, meaning love, courage, and honor. This reflects the society's core values of promoting nursing excellence, fostering scholarly inquiry, and celebrating leadership and service. With its global presence and commitment to advancing world health, STTI is indeed an organization that embodies the spirit of love, courage, and honor.

For more information about Sigma Theta Tau International and its activities, please visit the STTI website.

Sigma theta tau nursing society