Phi Beta Kappa's quarterly for members offers compelling news about the Society's diverse programs, the importance of our mission today, our accomplished alumni, and noteworthy books to satisfy a variety of interests in the liberal arts and sciences. The Key Reporter and all of Phi Beta Kappa's programs and activities are made possible by donors like you.

Current Issue

Frederick M. Lawrence photo

From the Secretary: ΦΒΚ’s 47th Triennial Council

This past summer, as the Society has every three years since the first Triennial Council convening in 1883, representatives from Phi Beta Kappa’s 290+ chapters and nearly 50 alumni associations gathered to chart the course of our future. This was a particularly significant conference as we gathered on the cusp of our 250th anniversary in 2026.

PBK President

ΦBK Elects New President and Vice President

The Society is pleased to announces the election of Esther L. Jones (ΦBK, Fisk University) as President of the Society and Ronald A. Crutcher (ΦBK, Miami University) as Vice President. Both positions are for a three-year term. 

Gates photo

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Honored for Distinguished Service to the Humanities 

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (ΦBK, Yale University) is the recipient of Phi Beta Kappa’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Humanities. The Society presented the award to Gates during the 47th Triennial Council.  

Doug Emlen

Douglas Emlen and Extreme Animal Weapons

Douglas Emlen, Regents Professor of Biology at the University of Montana, is one of 13 preeminent scholars in the liberal arts and sciences selected to serve as ΦBK Visiting Scholars during the 2024–2025 academic year.