Since the beginning of the Corpus Christi State University nursing program in 1974, an honor society had been an important goal in the long range plan. The Baccalaureate Degree program in Nursing was implemented in January 1975, and the Master’s Degree program in Nursing admitted students for the first time in May 1982.

Susan Nelson, Associate Professor of Nursing, and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Zeta Chapter, accepted the responsibility for organizing a local nursing honor society, with hopes of becoming a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. In September 1979, the nursing faculty gave their unanimous support to the establishment of an honor society.

As in the historical founding of Sigma Theta Tau, the Corpus Christi State University nursing faculty, alumni, undergraduate students, and community leaders believed that the "intellectual component necessary for scholarly nursing" needed to be recognized. It was for this reason, among others, that the Corpus Christi State University nursing honor society was formed.

Contact was made to the national office of Sigma Theta Tau in Indianapolis, for directions in organizing the Corpus Christi State University nursing honor society. Information about establishment of a chapter was received in January 1980. Later that year, the national office issued an invitation for representatives of developing honor societies to meet at the national convention of the American Nurses’ Association in Houston, Texas, on June 11, 1980.

Later that year, a sample of community nursing leaders, nursing faculty, undergraduate students, and alumni was contacted to assess interest in the establishment of an honor society in Corpus Christi. There was unanimous interest and support, and a Steering Committee was formally organized in December 1980. It was composed of persons representing scholarship and leadership in nursing who were committed to the organization of a local honor society chapter. On February 8, 1981, these representatives met for the first time to be oriented to the function of the Honor Society. The Committee met regularly during the following eight months.

Following approval from all levels of university administration and organization of the Steering Committee, the member selection process began. Each Steering Committee member was responsible for dissemination of information about the Honor Society, and securing the names and addresses of prospective members. Key people in the community were contacted for the names of outstanding nurses who met membership eligibility criteria. Student files of current undergraduate students and alumni were reviewed, and a list compiled of those who met the eligibility requirements.

Letters were sent announcing an information meeting to be held on April 28, 1981. The meeting was also publicized through various news media. This meeting consisted of an introduction of Steering Committee members, a complete explanation of the Honor Society purposes, development plans, organization bylaws, and member eligibility criteria. Approximately 40 nurses attended the meeting.

Applications for membership were reviewed by the Steering Committee, using the member eligibility criteria. Sixty-five nurses were confirmed for Induction in September 1981. The Induction ceremony was truly a momentous occasion.

Following the first Induction ceremony, the Steering Committee appointed a Nominating Committee. The committee met on November 2, 1981, and chose nominees for each of the required offices. The slate of potential officers was presented to the membership on November 16, 1981, and more nominees were obtained. Voting was completed in January 1982.

The first official meeting of the Executive Committee was held on January 20, 1982. All committees received appointments, and the chairpersons were asked to review their official capacity as outlined in the bylaws.

A joint program and business meeting was held on March 16, 1982. The program was about current issues in nursing, presented by the senior leadership students.

The next major function of the Honor Society was the second Induction ceremony, held on May 12, 1982. At that time twenty-two nurses were inducted. Following Induction, the officers began planning for the 1982-1983 year. These plans included preparing the charter application and planning for the site visit from the National Office of Sigma Theta Tau.

Since the beginning development of the Honor Society, becoming a charter chapter of Sigma Theta Tau was a goal. The organization carefully followed the guidelines of the National Office and consulted with national officers. It was important to the members of Corpus Christi State University Nursing Honor Society to develop an organization worthy of inclusion in Sigma Theta Tau.

The Honor Society at Corpus Christi State University became a charter chapter, named Eta Omicron, of Sigma Theta Tau, in 1984.