Gold Key Chapter History

Members of the Gold Key Chapter of Mortar Board have served in all campus organizations as well as city, county, state and national government. Our alumni are present in all walks of life from scholars and professionals to homemakers and industry management.  Our Alumni have gone out and shaped the world!

The history of South Alabama's chapter had its beginnings in the 1960's when the University President requested Blanche Cox, the Associate Dean of Students, to begin founding honor societies at the University.  Preparations for establishing our chapter were made,  and in the fall of 1969, eight women were selected as members of the chapter.

In its fifth year, under Dean Sarah Light, the chapter began the petitioning process for the national honor society, Mortar Board.  In 1976, following Title IX guidelines, the first men were chosen for membership.  In 1978, our chapter became a fully recognized chapter.

In 2005, The Gold Key Chapter of Mortar Board was recognized as The Most Improved Chapter. The Gold Key Chapter also received the Golden Torch Award and a Project Excellence Award. Previously, the Chapter won Chapter of Excellence awards and the Pi Sigma Alpha Award for project excellence. 

Several years ago we were honored to have a former member, who had served as undergraduate president of Mortar Board, Dr. Dennis Fell, begin his service as an advisor.  Other advisors are  Ms. Melissa Wold, Registrar, Sally Cobb, Office of Campus Involvement, and Dr. Sally Steadman, College of Engineering, a former advisor at Wyoming and a national board member.   Our service and programming this year included the first Top Prof Banquet where the chapter honored some of our outstanding faculty members in appreciation for all they do for USA students. 

Link to National Mortar Board Website