JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University’s Zeta Tau Alpha Zeta Psi Chapter received national recognition during the organization’s 2026 National Convention, earning one of the sorority’s highest chapter honors while members were awarded a combined $25,000 in national scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.
Three chapter members represented Jacksonville State at the Zeta Tau Alpha National Convention, held July 16-19 in Palm Desert, California. Attending were chapter president Ella Payne, vice president of programming Ryleigh Hodges, and vice president of finance Stella Phillips.
During the convention, the Zeta Psi Chapter received the 2025-26 Crown Chapter Award, which recognizes excellence in academics, philanthropy and service, campus leadership, and chapter operations.
The chapter was also inducted into the Zeta Tau Alpha Founders Club, an honor presented to chapters that have contributed more than $100,000 to breast cancer education and awareness initiatives and the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.
Six Jacksonville State students received national scholarships from the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation totaling $17,500 for the upcoming academic year:
- Presley Copeland, a communication major from Senoia, Georgia, received the Jacksonville State Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).
- Ryleigh Hodges, a management major from Moody, received the Zeta Psi Chapter Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).
- Anna Kizzire, an exercise science and wellness major from Hoover, received the Dr. Leah Goggans Simmons Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).
- Ella Payne, an integrated studies major from Munford, received the Gloria Culberson Hice Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).
- Stella Phillips, an elementary and early childhood education major from Vinemont, received the Achievement Scholarship ($5,000).
- Kadee Twilley, a nursing major from Hiram, Georgia, received the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).
Additionally, two Jacksonville State students who are currently disaffiliated from the chapter while serving on the university’s Panhellenic Recruitment Team received an additional $7,500 in national Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation scholarships.
In total, Jacksonville State students were awarded $25,000 in national scholarships through the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for the 2026-27 academic year.
The honors recognize the Zeta Psi Chapter’s continued achievements in scholarship, leadership, community service, philanthropy, and campus involvement at both the university and national levels.
