Consider Starting a National Statistics Honorary Society Chapter

By Lisa W. Kay, Mu Sigma Rho Past President

As many institutions begin their fall semester, it is a good time to consider starting a Mu Sigma Rho chapter. MSR, the National Statistics Honorary Society, has more than 40 chapters across the United States. Each year, chapters recognize students with outstanding academic accomplishments in statistics. Membership requirements are flexible enough that students with majors in other fields, especially those with a minor or concentration in statistics or data science, qualify. Student members receive a certificate, an MSR honorary pin, and a free one-year student membership in the American Statistical Association.

MSR also presents two awards to exceptional statistics educators each year. The William D. Warde Statistics Education Award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in classroom teaching in the statistics discipline and a lifetime devotion to statistics education. The 2026 recipient is Milo Schield of New College of Florida. The Mu Sigma Rho Early Career Undergraduate Impact Award, inspired by George McCabe, recognizes a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the success of undergraduate students in statistics. This year’s winner is Zhe Wang of Denison University. Nominations for the awards are typically due in early February. Any college or institution may nominate a potential recipient, regardless of whether the institution has an active MSR chapter.

Other MSR activities at the national level include virtual presentations and haiku contests. Individual chapters host a variety of activities, such as guest speakers, field trips, and social events.

MSR has undergone some changes in recent years, including an updated logo and the addition of a web administrator to its national officers. MSR officers for 2026–2029 are the following:

• President: David Fardo
• Vice President: Rasitha Jayesekere
• Secretary/Treasurer: Ananda Jayawardhana
• Past President: Charlie Smith
• Web Administrator: Matt Heiner
• Directors-at-Large: Analisa Flores, Laura Taylor, and Mark Daniel Ward

Anyone who wishes to start a new chapter should contact the MSR secretary, Ananda Jayawardhana, to discuss the requirements. Questions may be directed to MSR President David Fardo.