| Chi Alpha Sigma | |
| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΑΣ |
| Crest: | File:Chi_Alpha_Sigma_crest.png |
| Birthplace: | DePauw University |
| Affiliation: | Independent |
| Status: | Active |
| Type: | Honorary |
| Emphasis: | Athletics |
| Scope: | National |
| Colors: | Gold and Black |
| Motto: | Excellence in Athletics and Academics |
| Chapters: | 347 |
| Address: | PO Box 898 |
| City: | River Falls |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| Zip Code: | 54022-0898 |
| Country: | United States |
| Free Label: | Executive Director |
| Free: | Kellen Wells-Mangold |
Chi Alpha Sigma (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΑΣ), also known as the National College Athlete Honor Society, is an honor society for collegiate student-athletes.[1] Established in 1996, it was the first national society to honor scholar-athletes who excel in both the classroom and athletics.
Nick Mourouzis formed the National College Athlete Honor Society at DePauw University in Greencaslte, Indiana on May 17, 1996.[2] Mourouzis was the head football coach and a professor of kinesiology at DePauw.[3] 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:
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.
The honor society's colors are gold and black.[4] Its motto is "Excellence in Athletics and Academics."
See main article: List of Chi Alpha Sigma chapters. Chi Alpha Sigma has chapters located across the United States. As of, it has inducted 347 chapters.[5]
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: