Jax State Zeta Tau Alpha Chapter Earns National Recognition, Scholarships

07/23/2026

Zeta Psi Chapter honored for excellence; members receive nearly $30,000 in national scholarships 

Zeta Taue Alpha Conference 2026JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University's Zeta Tau Alpha chapter earned national recognition this summer, receiving one of the organization's highest chapter honors while several members were awarded nearly $30,000 in competitive scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. 

Three members of the Zeta Psi Chapter represented Jax State at the Zeta Tau Alpha National Convention, held July 16-19 in Palm Desert, California. Attending on behalf of the chapter were Ella Payne, chapter president; Ryleigh Hodges, vice president of programming; and Stella Phillips, vice president of finance. 

During the convention, the Zeta Psi Chapter received the 2025-26 Crown Chapter Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, philanthropy and service, campus leadership, and chapter operations. The chapter was also inducted into the Zeta Tau Alpha Founders Club, an honor recognizing chapters that contribute more than $100,000 to breast cancer education and awareness initiatives and the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. 

In addition to the chapter awards, six Jax State students were selected to receive national scholarships from the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, totaling $17,500 for the 2026-27 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, Alabama, received the Zeta Psi Chapter Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).  
  • Anna Kizzire, an exercise science and wellness major from Hoover, Alabama, received the Dr. Leah Goggans Simmons Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).  
  • Ella Payne, an integrated studies major from Munford, Alabama, received the Gloria Culberson Hice Recognition Scholarship ($2,500).  
  • Stella Phillips, an elementary and early childhood education major from Vinemont, Alabama, 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 Jax State students who are currently disaffiliated from the chapter while serving on the University's Panhellenic Recruitment Team were awarded $7,500 in national Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation scholarships. 

Combined, Jax State students received $25,000 in national Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation scholarships for the upcoming academic year, reflecting the chapter's continued commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and philanthropy. 

The national recognition highlights the success of Jax State's Zeta Psi Chapter both on campus and within Zeta Tau Alpha, where members continue to distinguish themselves through scholarship, leadership, community service, and philanthropic impact.