Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honor society in the United States. Through its activities, which include the election of new members, the sponsorship of visiting scholars, and the awarding of teaching and book prizes, Phi Beta Kappa pursues its mission of recognizing and fostoring excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
Florida International University’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, Epsilon of Florida, was inaugurated in April 2001; it was the fifth Phi Beta Kappa chapter established in the state of Florida. The other Phi Beta Kappa chapters in Florida are at Florida State University (1935), University of Florida (1938), Stetson University (1982), University of Miami (1983), and Eckerd College (2004).