Founded in 1897, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi's mission is "to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. Its chapters are on more than 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Each year, approximately 30,000 new members are initiated.

Since its founding, Phi Kappa Phi has initiated more than one million members into its ranks. All members receive emblems and certificates of membership, however, Phi Kappa Phi is much more than an emblem and a line on a résumé. It is a global network comprised of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines - a community of scholars and professionals building an enduring legacy for future generations.

Nationally, a twelve-person Board of Directors oversees the business of the Society. The daily operations of the Society are managed by members of the national headquarters staff. Local chapters are run solely by dedicated faculty and staff volunteers who work with the National Headquarters and the Board of Directors to offer a variety of programs to the membership.