The nation’s premier honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, Oct. 27 elected James E. Lightner, professor of Mathematics emeritus to the position of district senator. Lightner becomes the first Maryland senator in recent memory and one of only seven district senators nationwide.

“I have been involved with Phi Beta Kappa for 25 years in one way or another, but never dreamed I’d be nominated for this position,” Lightner says. “It is not only a responsibility, but an honor.”

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest undergraduate honors organization in the U.S. The society has pursued its mission of fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776.

Lightner, who has for the last six years served as district chair, will be a part of a large governing board which approves new projects, governs Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the country, and handles the budget, among other tasks. He will serve a six-year term as senator for the South Atlantic district, which reaches from Maryland to Florida.

The eight Phi Beta Kappa chapters in Maryland are, in the order of their founding: Johns Hopkins University, Goucher College, University of Maryland College Park School of Arts and Sciences, McDaniel College, UMBC, Loyola College, St. Mary’s College and Washington College.