Excelsior University Associate Degree in Nursing Students Invited to Join National Honor Society
Albany, N.Y. – For the first time, students in Excelsior University’s associate degree in nursing (ADN) program will be eligible to join a national honor society. Excelsior was recently chartered as the Zeta Chi chapter of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society, the only national honor society specifically for ADN students. Based on their exemplary academic credentials and classroom conduct, 168 Excelsior students were initially invited to provisional membership in the Zeta Chi chapter, with an additional 110 students recently invited as part of the honor society’s second cohort.
“We are thrilled to introduce Excelsior’s first ADN honor society and to celebrate the initial round of student inductees,” said Kristy Rowley, Excelsior University School of Nursing department chair. “Honor societies strengthen the sense of belonging and community for students, and open new doors to professional networking and achievement. Alpha Delta Nu membership also presents exciting growth opportunities for Excelsior faculty as they connect more closely with students and other institutions through the honor society.”
The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing approved the formation of a national honor society for ADN programs in 2012. To be considered for provisional membership, students must demonstrate integrity and professionalism in the classroom and earn a grade of B or better in each nursing course without a previous course failure. Students are invited to provisional membership after completing the Foundations in Nursing Practice course. If these requirements are maintained throughout the program, students are granted full membership in their final semester of study after completing their advanced clinical capstone class and an annual chapter project.
Membership is optional for eligible students. In addition to networking opportunities, academic recognition, and portfolio-building, national honor society membership offers students access to potential scholarships for continuing education. Alpha Delta Nu is closely associated with the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for bachelor’s and graduate degree nursing students and presents an accelerated Sigma membership pathway to ADN students pursuing further study.
Excelsior will host its first chapter meeting for provisional members later this month. An official induction ceremony will be held in summer 2025. Inductees will receive special Zeta Chi honor society pins and cords to be worn at their graduation ceremonies.
For more information on Excelsior University’s ADN program, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/program/associate-in-science-in-nursing.
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Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
