| Chi Alpha Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΧΑΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | May 17, 1996 (May 17, 1996) DePauw University |
| Type | Honor |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Athletics |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Excellence in Athletics and Academics" |
| Colors | Gold and Black |
| Chapters | 555 |
| Headquarters | PO Box 898 River Falls, Wisconsin 54022-0898 United States |
| Website | www |
Chi Alpha Sigma (ΧΑΣ), also known as the National College Athlete Honor Society, is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes.1 Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor four-year college scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.21
History
Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on May 17, 1996.32 Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw.23 Although there were existing organizations that honored athletics for academic accomplishments, Mourouzis wanted student-athletes who lettered in their sport while also maintaining a high-grade point average.2 He worked on the legal aspects of such an organization during a sabbatical in 1995.1
Mourouzis envisioned an organization to honor student-athletes the way Phi Beta Kappa recognizes scholars.1 The Greek letters Chi Alpha Sigma were chosen to represent the honor society.1 He recruited coaches for the society's governing board that represent various levels of competition.1 The charter board included:1
- Jona Braden, Butler University
- Scott Duncan, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Mary English, DePauw University
- John Friend, Purdue University-Calumet
- David Huffman, University of Indianapolis
- Elizabeth "Buzz" Kurpius, Indiana University
- Nick Mourouzis, DePauw University
- Joe Romine, Taylor University
The Alpha chapter was chartered at DePauw University.1 From there, the honor society expanded to other colleges and universities in Indiana.1 It then expanded across the United States.4
Symbols
The honor society's colors are gold and black.5 Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."1
Chapters
Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States.4 As of May 19, 2026, it has 555 active chapters.4
Membership
Varsity athletes in all college sports are eligible to join Chi Alpha Sigma if a local chapter has been established on campus.1 Its membership requirements are an endorsement from their head coach as to their good moral character, standing as a junior or senior, and completion of four fulltime academic semesters with a minimum 3.5 GPA.627
Notable members
- Adam Presa, member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives8
- Jenna Rheault, professional hockey player
References
References
- "Coach Nick Mourouzis Establishes First Student-Athlete Honor Society". DePauw University. February 28, 1997. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- "37 Student-Athletes Inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma". Rutgers University Athletics. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- "About Chi Alpha Sigma | National College Athlete Honor Society". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- "Chapter Directory". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- "Graduation Cords". Chi Alpha Sigma. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- "Shenandoah announces 139 student-athletes inducted to Chi Alpha Sigma". Potomac Local News. 2023-03-17. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- "Scholars". Northeast Times. 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- "New England College Announces 2024 Chi Alpha Sigma Inductees". New England College. 2024-04-12. Retrieved 2025-03-12.