Chi Alpha Sigma

Chi Alpha Sigma (ΧΑΣ), also known as the National College Athlete Honor Society, is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes. Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.

History
Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencaslte, Indiana on May 17, 1996. Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw. Although there were existing organizations that honored athletics for academic accomplishments, Mourouzis wanted student-athletes who lettered in their sport while also maintaining a high-grade point average. He worked on the legal aspects of such an organization during a sabbatical in 1995.

Mourouzis envisioned an organization to honor student-athletes the way Phi Beta Kappa recognizes scholars. The Greek letters Chi Alpha Sigma were chosen to represent the honor society. He recruited coaches for the society's governing board that represent various levels on competition. The charter board included: • Jona Braden, Butler University

• Scott Duncan, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

• Mary English, DePauw University

• John Friend, Purdue University-Calumet

• David Huffman, University of Indianapolis

• Elizabeth "Buzz" Kurpius, Indiana University

• Nick Mourouzis, DePauw University

• Joe Romine, Taylor University

The Alpha chapter was chartered at DePauw University. From there, the honor society expanded to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It then expanded into other states and across the United States.

Symbols
The honor society's colors are gold and black. Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."

Chapters
Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States. As of 2024-03-19, it has inducted 347 chapters.

Membership
Varsity athletes in all college sports are eligible to join Chi Alpha Sigma provide a local chapter has been established on campus. Its membership requirements are:
 * Attendance at a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
 * Completion of five full time academic semesters and junior or senior academic standing
 * A minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA
 * Endorsement from their head coach as to their good moral character