Beta signifies honor. Honor is personal integrity and excellence of character. It is an enduring quality found in all persons who deserve to lead others.

Gamma signifies wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge tested by experience and tempered by discerning judgement. It abhors prejudice; it insists upon freedom of thought and expression.

Sigma signifies earnestness. Earnestness is enthusiasm measured by achievement, disciplined by reason and ennobled by sincerity. It is that dynamic quality which is essential for all great achievement.

History of Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organization in 1913. To establish and maintain an active Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, a school's business program must be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the international accrediting agency for bachelor's and master's degree programs in business administration and accounting. Accreditation by AACSB International requires meeting a set of rigorous standards. Currently, only about one-fourth of America's business schools have earned AACSB International membership.

UCA's chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma was chartered in 1986 following the College of Business Administration's initial accreditation by AACSB International. Dr. Lillian Parrish served as the faculty advisor until 1988 when Dr. Bill Bounds was named to that position. Since being chartered, the local chapter has initiated over 300 students, faculty, and honorary members and has been recognized nationally for high acceptance rates.

Mission of the Society

The mission of Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business and personal and professional excellence in the practice of business.

Membership Requirements

To be eligible for membership, the academic ranking of those being considered must place them :

• in the upper 7 percent of the junior class;

• upper 10 percent of the senior class; or

• upper 20 percent of the graduating master's class

While almost 300,00 students receive baccalaureate or master's degrees in business each year, only about 18,000 students are accepted into membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.

BGS Membership Benefits

• Lifetime recognition for outstanding academic achievement

• Student Scholarship Program

• BetaLink On-Line Community

• Student Leadership Forum

• BGS News newsletter and BetaNet website

• Junior initiates are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship

• Alumni Network - Alumni Chapter Program

Member Initiates (click to see the new initiates)

For additional information, contact:

Dr. Bill Bounds, Advisor
Department of Marketing, Management, and Information Systems
College of Business Administration
The University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035-0001
bbounds@mail.uca.edu

or call (501) 450-5342.

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, July 12, 2006.