Since 1956, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program has been offering undergraduates the opportunity to spend time with some of America's most distinguished scholars. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between the Visiting Scholars and the resident faculty and students. 

Announcing 2023-2024 Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars

2022-2023 Visiting Scholars

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About the Program

Visiting Scholar Program

Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars travel to more than 100 colleges and universities each year, spending two days on each campus and taking full part in the academic life of the institution. They meet informally with students and faculty members, participate in classroom discussions and seminars, and give a public lecture open to the academic community and the general public. Over the last 67 years, over 720 Visiting Scholars have made over 5,900 visits to Phi Beta Kappa sheltering institutions.

Our Chapter members appreciate PBK’s Visiting Scholar program as an important opportunity for furthering scholarly interaction and engaging students and the community in the liberal arts, and we look forward to additional Visiting Scholar opportunities in coming years.
— Associate Dean, University of Tulsa

Listen here!

Fred Lawrence, ΦBK Secretary/CEO, interviews Professor Harold Koh for a podcast episode

Application Process

Participation is limited to the 293 campuses that shelter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. Priority is given to those institutions not located in major metropolitan centers or that do not have extensive resources on which to draw for similar programs. If you are interested in bringing one of the Visiting Scholars to your campus, contact the secretary or president of the local Phi Beta Kappa chapter so that your preference can be considered. Invitations should not be sent directly to the Visiting Scholars. 

Questions about the program and the application process can be directed to Hadley Kelly, the Director of the Visiting Scholar Program, at hkelly@pbk.org. 
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