Sigma Tau Delta is founded on May 1, 1924, by Judson Q. Owen at Dakota Wesleyan University.
The club was designed to promote mastery of writing, encourage reading, and foster fellowship in English studies. Its motto remains “Sincerity, Truth, Design.”
1925
The first Sigma Tau Delta national convention was held in Des Moines, Iowa with 31 chapters represented. The Constitution was adopted and national officers elected.
1928
The second national convention was held in Kansas City, Missouri.
By then, 71 chapters had been chartered.
1931
The third convention was held in conjunction with the Modern Language Association at the University of Wisconsin.
Seven regions and Regents established; Student Representatives begin serving on the national Board.
The Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle journal is launched, providing a literary outlet for members.
1940s
WWII limits national travel: regional conventions become the norm.
Funds are redirected to expand publication efforts, particularly the Rectangle.
1968
Founder Owen reports 142 active chapters and an estimated 18,000 members.
Publications and fellowship remain the core focus of the Society.
1969 – 1970
After Owen’s death, Nelson James becomes Executive Secretary.
1970
The fourth national convention was held at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
New constitution adopted; application for ACHS membership approved.
Saul Bellow speaks, establishing the tradition of acclaimed authors at conventions.
NIU becomes the permanent headquarters of Sigma Tau Delta.
1970s – 1990s
Biennial conventions become standard; held on host college campuses.
The Rectangle is published semiannually during this period.
1983
Dr. William C. Johnson begins his 40-year tenure as Executive Director.
Under Johnson, Sigma Tau Delta doubled in size during the 1980s.
1987
Isabel Sparks becomes the first woman elected President of Sigma Tau Delta.
1994
The Society’s annual convention format begins in Memphis, eventually replacing the biennial model.
1996
Sigma Kappa Delta, the English honor society for two-year colleges, is founded.
The founding meeting was held at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago, led by Johnson and four dedicated instructors.
Cottey College in Missouri becomes the first headquarters.
1998 – 2000
Recruitment of Sigma Kappa Delta expands; 28 chapters chartered by 2000.
Literary journal named Hedera helix and English Ivy chosen as national symbol.
2000 – 2002
Sigma Kappa Delta expands to 45 chapters; headquarters moves to Calhoun Community College in Alabama. Begins process to incorporate as a 501(c)(3).
2002 – 2004
Dr. Johnson initiates the creation of a high school-level honor society, consulting with educators across the U.S.
A draft constitution is prepared, modeled on Sigma Tau Delta’s structure.
2005
National English Honor Society (NEHS) launches, focused on high school students.
Rapid early chapter growth, particularly in Florida.
2006 – 2008
NEHS chapters spread across six regions.
Dave Wendelin is appointed as the first Director of NEHS in 2008.
2007
Sigma Tau Delta Review, a journal for critical writing, is introduced.
Sigma Tau Delta celebrates 638 active chapters.
2009 – 2011
NEHS grows to 271 chapters with over 14,000 student members.
NEHS launches its monthly newsletter, NEHSXpress, and participates in national conventions.
2012 – 2013
NEHS expands to 567 chapters and launches the Intellectual Freedom Challenge writing contest.
2014 – 2016
NEHS nears 700 chapters, on par with Sigma Tau Delta.
Innovative programs like the Outstanding Advisor Award and University Scholarships are launched.
2019 – 2020
Pandemic forces virtual events across all societies.
2021 – 2022
NEHS rebounds with 102 new chapters in a single year.
Sigma Tau Delta and NEHS implement new digital tools and expand literary opportunities.
Dr. Johnson retires, and Matt Hlinak becomes Sigma Tau Delta Executive Director.
2023
Christopher Lockwood becomes NEHS Director.
NEHS reaches 85,000 students across 36+ countries.
ELA Honor Society launched for grades 6–9.
Sigma Tau Delta prepares for its 100th year of promoting English excellence.
2024
NEHS tops 1,250 chapters with 36,000 new student members in a single year.
Preparations for NEHS’ 20th anniversary begin.
Sigma Tau Delta continues to honor its legacy and lead the English honor society family, now including Sigma Kappa Delta, NEHS, and the ELA Honor Society.
