WEST LIBERTY, W. Va., February 5, 2025 – West Liberty University (WLU) recently reinstated the Omicron Nu chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. An induction ceremony welcoming five new candidates into the prestigious society took place Wednesday, January 29 at the Interfaith Chapel on camps.
Founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University, Sigma Tau Delta recognizes academic excellence in the English language. The name Sigma Tau Delta is taken from the Greek letters representing the first letter in each of the words that form the official motto: “Sincerity, Truth, Design.”
Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction for high achievement in the English language, literature, and writing. The organization is dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English.
Omicron Nu, the local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, was chartered at West Liberty State College in October of 1976. The chapter was continuously active from 1976-2005 before becoming dormant for a 4-year period. The chapter was reinstated in 2009-2017 at which point it went dormant once again. 2025 represents a new era for the Omicron Nu chapter as it is once again reinstated.
Five recently inducted Omicron Nu chapter candidates have satisfied the requirements for membership and are as follows:
- Kylie Baker, a senior Secondary English Education major
- Liam Buchanan, a senior English: Writing & Rhetoric major with minors in Sociology and Creative Writing
- Chloe Fidler, a sophomore English Literature major with minors in Political Science and Philosophy
- Jenna Maguire, a junior double majoring in English: Writing & Rhetoric and Media Communications, with a minor in Philosophy
- Scales Smith, a sophomore majoring in English: Writing & Rhetoric with a minor in Spanish
WLU Professor of English and Omicron Nu chapter faculty advisor Dr. Steve Criniti comments on the opportunities Sigma Tau Delta provides and praises the new induction class.
“The organization prides itself on providing not only distinction for its members, but also opportunities including scholarships, conventions, internships, and more,” Criniti explains. “We’re excited to reintroduce Sigma Tau Delta back to the WLU community and are very proud of our new induction class. They are wonderful representatives of WLU’s English program and are looking forward to making an impact here on campus,” he adds.
The students from WLU join the more than 200 inductees who are already proud members of the Omicron Nu chapter of Sigma Tau Delta here at West Liberty University. They also join the most active honors organization in the field and one of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Societies with more than 850 chapters in public and private colleges & universities in the U.S. and abroad.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
