Moon Township, Pa. – The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Robert Morris University (RMU) has launched a chapter of the distinguished Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Fifty RMU nursing students and local nurse leaders were inducted into the new Upsilon Phi Chapter.

“We are extremely honored to receive our own chapter of this organization, which supports the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide,” said Valerie Howard, associate professor of nursing at RMU and faculty counselor to the new chapter.

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of people worldwide through leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research. Membership in the honor society is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, and to nurse leaders who demonstrate exceptional achievement in nursing.

"The addition of this prestigious honor society to our university highlights our commitment to the building of knowledge, leadership, service and community. I am very pleased to welcome the new organization and look forward to congratulating the students and nurse leaders who meet the requirements to become members," said Lynda Davidson, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

RMU began offering nursing degrees in 2003, and created the School of Nursing and Health Sciences four years later. Today, the school has 275 nursing students, and offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. The school’s doctor of nursing practice degree was the first program of its kind to be approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences also offers a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.