Sigma Theta Tau

Contact Sigma Theta Tau

Since the Alpha Iota chapter of the international nursing honor society was formed in 1964, its members have set the standard for creating strategies to improve patient care outcomes and mentor nursing leaders. Today, the Alpha Iota chapter has more than 250 active members and over 3,000 members have been inducted into – Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma.

Mission & Vision

Vision: Sigma’s vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing.
Mission: Sigma’s mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

History: In 1922, six nurses founded Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, today is known as Sigma, at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses, which is now the Indiana University School of Nursing, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The founders chose the name from the Greek words storgé, tharsos, and timé, meaning love, courage, and honor. Sigma became incorporated in 1985 and is a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax status in the United States.
Learn more about Sigma Theta Tau International and its events, continuing education, research publications, and the Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library.

Sigma Alpha Lota logo

Upcoming Events

Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma – Fall Program & General Membership Meeting:  

Thursday, October 13, 2022, 5:30 pm CT – Light Refreshments (MUSSON Student Lounge), 6:00-8:00 pm CT – Program & Meeting (MUSSON Room S344 & via Zoom (see emailed invitation).

Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma – Fall Induction & Grant Award Ceremony: 

Thursday, November 17, 2022, 6:30 pm CT via Zoom (see emailed invitation)

Membership Criteria

Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Invitations are sent to eligible student every September and March. Nurse leader candidates can apply at any time by following this link.

Undergraduate Criteria
  • Complete half of the nursing curriculum
  • Hold at least a 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0 grading scale) and rank in the upper 35 percentile of the graduating class
  • Meet the expectation of academic integrity
Registered Nurse Student Criteria
  • Complete 12 credit hours at current school
  • Complete half of the nursing curriculum
  • Hold at least a 3.0 GPA (based on a 4.0 grading scale) and rank in the upper 35 percentile of the graduating class
  • Meet the expectation of academic integrity
Graduate Student Criteria
  • Complete one-quarter of the nursing curriculum
  • Hold at least a 3.5 GPA (based on a 4.0 grading scale)
  • Meet the expectation of academic integrity
Nurse Leader Candidate Criteria
  • Be legally recognized to practice nursing in his/her country
  • Hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field
  • Demonstrate achievement in nursing (curriculum vitae or resume)
  • Receive endorsement of a member of Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau

Member Benefits

Free continuing nursing education (CNE) courses

Courses designed with critical support and insights to help you thrive as a nurse—no matter what stage you’re at in your career.


Career connections to shape your path

Sigma’s Career Center offers you access to advisors and mentors, opportunities to guide as a mentor, and professional resources to advance your nursing career.


Free journals and member publications

Renowned insights from the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, and more at your fingertips.


Invaluable conversations

As a part of our online member community, The Circle, you’ll discover just how active our chapters and communities of interest are and open up a world of networking.

General Funding Requests

The mission of the honor society of nursing—Sigma Theta Tau International, or STTI—is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.

Alpha Iota Chapter at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing accomplishes this, in part, through financial support of opportunities and activities for the general membership and enrolled students.

Research Grant Guidelines & Applications

The Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma accepts applications for the Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Research Grant twice a year: March 1 and October 1.


To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be an active member of Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma
  • Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program, OR have completed at least a master’s degree
  • Be ready to implement the research project when funding is received
  • Be able to complete the project within one year of funding
  • Agree to present research process and findings at an Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma meeting

A complete application includes:

  1. A signed Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Research Grant Application form (Students need advisor signature on application, see attached document)
  2. A research proposal similar to the R03 format – see specific list of items needed in the grant application document

Evidence-Based Practice/Performance Improvement Project Grant Guidelines & Application

The Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma accepts applications for the Alpha Iota Sigma Evidence-Based Practice/Performance Improvement Project Grant twice a year:  March 1 and October 1.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  1. Be an active (i.e. dues paying) member of Sigma Theta Tau-Alpha Iota Chapter
  2. Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program, or have completed at least a master’s degree
  3. Ready to implement the research project when funding is received
  4. Complete project within one year of funding
  5. Agree to present research project and findings at the Alpha Iota chapter meeting or induction

A complete application will include:

  1. A signed Evidence-Based Practice/Performance Improvement Project Grant Application form (Students need advisor signature on application, see attached document)
  2. A research proposal not to exceed 12 pages

All applications must be submitted via email to: Dr. Anbari, by the deadline.

You may contact Dr. Anbari at anbaria@missouri.edu if you have specific questions about the application process.

Alpha Iota Chapter awards grant funding to provide support for worthy research studies. Allocation of grant funding is based upon the applicant’s eligibility, the significance of the problem, qualifications of the researchers, evidence of innovation, the strength of the research approach, and appropriateness of the proposed budget. Recipient(s) who fail(s) to complete the proposed study will be expected to return the amount awarded.

Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Research Grant

Tywana Lawson

Tywana Lawson, received the Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma’s Research Grant to support her research project Fall 2022 entitled “Exploring Novice Nurses’ Perceptions When Communicating with Physicians”

Photo of Tywana Lawson

Questions? Contact Us.

Contact Dr. Anbari at anbaria@missouri.edu if you have specific questions about the Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Research Grant and the application process.