OC family science program awarded its first National Honor Society chapter

Induction ceremony for Gamma Xi’s new president and members was Feb. 4.

February 8, 2020 - Associate Professor of Psychology and Family Science Bobby Kern knew family science students at Oklahoma Christian University would benefit from professional networking found in an honor chapter on campus. That is why he petitioned Phi Upsilon Omicron, the National Honor Society in Family and Consumer Sciences, and OC was awarded a chapter, titled Gamma Xi, in the fall. 

For several years, psychology and family science students could join Psi Chi, which is the national honor society in psychology. With the addition of Gamma Xi, family science students can now have their own organization. 

“We are making family science more distinct from psychology and really highlighting the uniqueness of that program, focusing on ways that we can make family science shine in its own light,” Kern said. “This was something I really sought out and wanted for our students.”

Gamma Xi had its first induction of six students on Feb. 4. Alexa Lewis was announced as the president, while other members included Alexandra Steward, Olivia Raff, Rosie Hagerman, Emily Kelley and Maddison Collyer. Kern will be inducted as an honorary member of the honor society. 

Lewis is excited about adding the Gamma Xi chapter to OC, believing that in doing so, family science will be seen as more credible, as many do not know what family science is about.  

“I think it’s really important for us to get a little bit more prestige behind our family science program,” Lewis said. “To get more credibility behind us is always a good thing. An honor society brings credibility.” 

As president, Lewis will create service opportunities not only for the department but also OC’s campus. 

“What I have taken to be my position is to provide service opportunities,” said Lewis. “Family science is really about service, and that’s what our honor society’s main mission is.” 

One requirement of starting the new chapter was a mentor chapter that could help OC in its first year. The University of Central Oklahoma’s chapter, Gamma Gamma, graciously agreed to help. Gamma Gamma conducted the first first induction ceremony for Gamma Xi. 

Next, Gamma Xi will complete its constitution, be formally recognized on campus by OC’s Student Life office and induct more members later in the spring.