N.C. A&T Sociology Honor Society’s Zeta Chapter Named International Chapter of Year

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 23, 2026) – The Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Sociology Honor Society at North Carolina Agricultural Technical State University has been selected as the Emory Bogardus Chapter of the Year from more than 700 chapters worldwide. This international distinction recognizes the chapter for its outstanding community service, impact and scholarship and awards the winning chapter $500 to support chapter development and service activities.

Alpha Kappa Delta was founded in 1920 at the University of Southern California by Emory S. Bogardus, Ph.D., on the tenets of excellence in the study of sociology, sociological research, and engagement with social issues that contribute to the improvement of the human condition.

“A key priority of N.C. A&T’s Preeminence 2030 strategic plan is community transformation, and considering how can we, as researchers and scholars, impact the greater good,” said Stephanie Teixeira-Poit, Ph.D., Zeta Chapter advisor and associate professor of sociology in the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences. “AKD’s commitment to investigating humanity for the purpose of service strongly reflects the university’s goal of using knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members.”

Established in 1974 and reactivated in 2024, the Zeta Chapter reflects that mission through its community advocacy and activities, commitment to research and addressing social issues, and efforts to create opportunities for sociological advancement.

Since its reactivation, the chapter has engaged students across A&T in scholarship and research through an organization symposium, professional development events, and networking opportunities that connect students with sociology faculty-mentored research projects. In partnership with the Center of Excellence for Integrative Health Disparities and Equity Research (CIHDER) and the Hairston College, Zeta members also participated in a community health fair, providing grief screenings, resources and connections to local services.

The chapter also led community-focused initiatives addressing health disparities and food insecurity in East Greensboro. Through one of its signature projects, “Eastside Outreach: Feeding with Compassion,” the chapter partnered with a local food pantry where sociology students helped prepare and distribute groceries and essential items to community members.

Together, these efforts allowed students to apply sociology beyond the classroom while addressing critical community needs, which Teixeira-Poit said is a primary goal of the chapter and the university as a whole.

With 10 undergraduates inducted in the 2026 spring semester supported by the sociology faculty in the Hairston College, the Zeta Chapter has been able to make a significant impact and create opportunities for university, local and global communities.

Teixeira-Poit said the success of the chapter would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of the 2025-26 chapter leadership team who put forth time, effort and creative strategies to serve the community.

Madison Adams, Carmilla Alston, Ashlynn Hinton, Camryn King, Sanaa Smith, Shakirra Staton and, Dynasty Washington make up the leadership team. The chapter’s 2025-26 inductees are Janilya Goddard, Ebony Mayo and Dwayne McMillan.

“This recognition affirms the important role sociology students can play in strengthening communities and improving the human condition,” said Teixeira-Poit. “The Zeta Chapter has embraced the challenge of using knowledge in service of others, and their work reflects A&T’s commitment to transforming communities through knowledge, leadership, and action. I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to this mission.”

With the Emory Bogardus Chapter of the Year award giving the Zeta Chapter more steam to carry the mission of advancing humanity forward, it plans to continue connecting students with research opportunities that address pressing social challenges, expand service initiatives focused on community-identified needs such as food insecurity and health disparities, and strengthen partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for engagement, scholarship and impact.