CHARLOTTESVILLE—Today, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy is proud to announce that ten Batten students were elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Founded in 1776 amidst the American Revolution by five William and Mary students, Phi Beta Kappa remains America’s most prestigious honors society, and one whose founders believed education and academic excellence were integral to freedom of thought.

"Phi Beta Kappa derives from the Greek phrase, 'The love of learning is the guide to life.' These Batten students embody that exact ethos in both their commitment to academic excellence and love for learning,” said Dean Allan Stam. “As a school of leadership and public policy, it's imperative for young leaders to value freedom of thought and realize the crucial role education plays in that process. I am thrilled to see these students become members of America's most prestigious academic honors society, which represents the pinnacles of learned societies." 

As the oldest and most distinguished honor society in the country, Phi Beta Kappa offers membership to less than one percent of all undergraduate students. Many of the leading figures in American history and culture began their careers with election to the society, including seventeen presidents of the United States. As a result, membership is a remarkable accomplishment, both for the student who achieves the election as well as for the faculty and staff whose support and guidance have led to this milestone.

The Batten School’s 2019 Elected Phi Beta Kappa Members:

Sarah Alexander (BA’ 19)

Policy areas of interest: environmental policy, education policy, and fine arts policy

Emily Branch (BA’19)

Policy areas of interest: education and criminal justice policy

Hailey Disch (BA’20)

Policy areas of interest: gender-based violence, women's and human rights, and international relations

Isabel Jones (BA’19)

Policy areas of interest: environmental policy and health care

Camille Larmoyeux (BA’ 19)

Policy areas of interest: social entrepreneurship

Arijeet Sensharma (BA’19)

Policy areas of interest: health equity and civil rights

Isabel Singer (BA’19)

Policy areas of interest: global development policy and international social welfare

Julia Thompson (BA’ 19)

Policy areas of interest: education policy

Caroline Vaughn (BA’ 19)

Policy areas of interest: international relations, humanitarian aid, education, and health care policy

Jessica Zhang (BA’19)

Policy areas of interest: international relations, health policy, and medicine