September 16, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars announces the election of Dr. Marcia Hardy as the new International President-Elect. Dr. Hardy is a professor in the College of Business and Technology at Northwestern State University.
Hardy, a distinguished academic and advocate for international education, brings a wealth of experience and vision to the society’s mission of promoting global understanding and scholarship.
“Dr. Hardy has been a longtime PBD member and champion for international efforts in higher education, especially in the field of business,” said Dr. Erik Byker, current international president of Phi Beta Delta. “She is a highly dedicated PBD member and collaborator. I look forward to her leadership in promoting the PBD's motto related to the pursuit of Scientia Mutua Mundi (the world's shared knowledge).”
Hardy was introduced to Phi Beta Delta through a fellow NSU faculty member.
“My colleague knew I was interested in international business, wanted to participate in our local cultural events and that I was searching for international academic connections that brought Phi Beta Delta to my attention. It was a perfect fit,” she said.
She served two years on the international Phi Beta Delta annual conference organization committees and on the membership and publications committees. She has served NSU’s Eta Mu chapter as president, as a member of the chapter board, chairman of the student scholarship committee, international chapter coordinator and member-at-large.
Phi Beta Delta supports universities by promoting international education, acknowledging academic achievement and encouraging a global outlook among faculty, students and staff, Hardy said.
“The Eta Mu chapter supports NSU’s international programs by offering lectures, study abroad panels and cultural series sessions focused on countries around the world. The Cultural Series sessions are presented by individuals from those countries or who have traveled or worked extensively there,” Hardy said. “We often gain new insights along with pictures, music, food and dance experiences. The Chapter also recognizes academic excellence and has recently established a student scholarship fund to support students traveling abroad.”
Those scholarships are awarded to NSU students seeking to enhance their international education and academic experiences in another country, as well as to international students traveling to Northwestern State to participate in the study abroad programs.
“Dr. Hardy’s exemplary record in leadership, research, and cross-cultural collaboration reflects thevery essence of Phi Beta Delta’s values,” said Dr. HyunKyoung Oh, executive director and CEO of Phi Beta Delta. “As president-elect, she brings both distinguished scholarship and a deep passion for fostering international partnerships that enrich academic and cultural understanding. We look forward to working with Dr. Hardy.”
Hardy will take on the role of international president when Byker’s term ends next year. Meanwhile, she will work with the Phi Beta Delta board of directors and members to promote strategic initiatives and support the society’s commitment to cross-cultural engagement.
Founded in 1986, Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. With hundreds of chapters worldwide, the society connects students, faculty and staff who have demonstrated a strong dedication to international awareness and academic excellence.
Those interested in learning more about NSU’s Eta Mu chapter, supporting its programming through sponsorships or contributing to its scholarship fund should contact Dr. Beth Prejean, chapter president, at prejeane@nsula.edu.
NSU professor Dr. Marcia Hardy will serve as Phi Beta Delta International president-elect
