Kappa Tau Alpha
ΚΤΑ
Founded	March 10, 1910; 114 years ago (1910-03-10) University of Missouri
Type	Honor society
Affiliation	ACHS
Emphasis	Journalism and mass communication
Scope	National
Mission statement	To recognize academic excellence and promote scholarship in journalism and mass communication
Motto	"The Truth Will Prevail"
Colors	Light blue and   Gold
Symbol	Key with quill pen
Publication	KTA Newsletter
Chapters	99
Members	63,726 lifetime
Headquarters	c/o Dr. Beverly Horvit Kappa Tau Alpha School of Journalism University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-1200 USA
Website	Kappa Tau Alpha.org

Kappa Tau Alpha is an American college honor society which recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication. Membership must be earned by excellence in academic work at one of the colleges and universities which have chapters.^[1]

History

The seventh-oldest national honor society, KTA was founded at the University of Missouri in 1910 at the world's second oldest school of journalism. KTA is the only journalism and mass communication society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies and is one of 67 ACHS members.

When Kappa Tau Alpha was founded it was limited to only men. However, the society lapsed during World War I and when it was reorganized after the war it was broadened to allow women students.^[2]

Symbols

The emblem of Kappa Tau Alpha is the key, the oldest symbol of knowledge and communication, with a quill pen. The Greek letters mean "The Truth Will Prevail." The letters also suggest three English words: knowledge, truth and accuracy. The society's colors are light blue, signifying truth; and gold, emblematic of worth and high standards.^[1]

The society co-sponsors the Kappa Tau Alpha-AEJMC Awards luncheon at the annual convention of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.^[3]