The Society of Phi-Zeta, Alpha-Iota Chapter has been established at School of Veterinary Medicine Texas Tech University to recognize and promote scholarship and research pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals. The aim of The society of Phi Zeta is to stand for constant advancement of the veterinary profession, for high educational requirements, and for rigorous scholarship.

The Alpha-Iota Chapter of The Society of Phi-Zeta was charted in 2022

Foundation of The Society of Phi-Zeta

Phi Zeta was founded in 1925 by senior veterinary students at the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University. With support from faculty members, including the college's Dean, Dr. Veranus A. Moore, the society was formally established, and Dean Moore became the first president of the Alpha Chapter. The Society expanded nationally in 1929 during a meeting in Detroit, Michigan, where Dean Moore also served as the first president of the national organization.

In the same year, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine was granted a charter, leading to the establishment of the Beta Chapter. In 1931, the Gamma Chapter was formed after the Executive Committee approved a petition from Iowa State College. Since then, the Society has grown to include 33 chapters, which may be established at any recognized veterinary college or institution of higher learning.

Name and Symbols

When choosing a name for the Society, the founders consulted Professor George P. Bristol, a Greek scholar at Cornell University. He suggested the Greek term Philozoi, meaning “love for animals,” which was later abbreviated to Phi Zeta as the Society's official name.

The emblem of Phi Zeta features the Greek letter Phi overlaid on the letter Zeta. This design was created by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, a renowned naturalist and artist.

Membership in the Society is either, Active or Honorary.

Those eligible to election as Active Members are:

1. Any candidate for the DVM/VMD degree in a veterinary medical college where a chapter exists, and who has completed at least two years of the professional curriculum, and who meets the following requirements:
• The candidate must have an acceptable personality, be of good moral character, and possess high ideals regarding professional service conduct.
• When elected in the junior or third year, students must rank scholastically in the highest 10% of their veterinary medical class.
• When elected in the senior or fourth year, students must rank scholastically in the highest 25% of their veterinary medical class
2. Any veterinarian who has been in possession of a veterinary medical degree for at least two years, and who has displayed ability of high order in dealing with one or more phases of the science of veterinary medicine, and who meets one of the following criteria.
• The candidate is enrolled as a graduate student in a college of veterinary medicine and has completed at least twenty semester (thirty quarter) hours of graduate credit or has successfully passed preliminary examinations.
• The candidate has been engaged in an intern or residency program for at least two years or has become board certified in his/her specialty.
• The candidate has completed two years or more on the faculty of the institution or scientific staff of a scientific institution within commuting distance of the nearest chapter of Phi Zeta and has been involved in veterinary research or service.

Those eligible to election as Honorary Members are:

1. Distinguished veterinarians in possession of their veterinary medical degrees for at least five years and who have rendered notable service to their profession.
2. Persons not in possession of the veterinary medical degree, who have rendered distinguished service in the advancement of the science relating to the animal industry and particularly of animal diseases.
3. Only in exceptional instances shall more than two honorary members be elected by any one chapter in any one academic year.

Active members who move from the residence of their chapter may:

1. Become known as inactive members and not subject to the payment of dues; or
2. Transfer their membership to another chapter.

2024-present

• President: Dr. Smriti Shringi
• Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Fernanda Rosa

2022 - 2024

• President: Dr. Seth Chapman
• Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Jennifer Koziol

The Alpha Iota Chapter of the Phi Zeta Honor Society at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine hosts annual Phi Zeta Research Day to celebrate and promote excellence in veterinary and biomedical research. This event provides a platform for veterinary students, graduate students, and faculty to showcase their research through oral and poster presentations, fostering scientific discussion and collaboration.

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