Clarkson College has a long tradition of academic excellence. Founded in 1888 as Bishop Clarkson College of Nursing, the school has been at the forefront of nursing in Nebraska for over 120 years, first as a diploma program, then as a degree—granting program and now as a comprehensive institution of higher learning. In 1988 the school received North Central accreditation followed by accreditation of the baccalaureate program in nursing from the National League for Nursing (NLN). In 1991 the college name was changed and other programs added so that today there are many professional health care programs all accredited by their respective accrediting agencies. In March of 1995, the baccalaureate program in nursing received continuing accreditation and the master's program in nursing received initial accreditation from NLN. 

  

In March of 1986, the dean of nursing became interested in having an honor society in nursing that would recognize those who had demonstrated superior academic performance and who had distinguished themselves as clinical scholars and leaders. In April of 1986, a steering committee, made up of faculty (Dr. Gloria Gross, Dr. Mary Larson, Mary Margaret Schaffner, Mary Kelly and Marcia Stone), was formed to organize the development of an honor society. They drafted bylaws in September 1987, which were accepted by the College Council in October of 1987. The structure and the bylaws of the honor society were modeled after those of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) and had as their goals the following: (1) to foster high professional standards, (2) to encourage creative work, and (3) to strengthen the commitment to the ideals and purposes of the nursing profession. A nominating committee of faculty was formed and a ballot was prepared. 

  

The first annual meeting was held in November of 1988. From 1988 through 1991, annual inductions were held. In 1991, Dr. Fay L. Bower helped the honor society board in its efforts to become a chapter of STTI. She assisted the honor society board interpret and use the materials from STTI as they formalized the structure and operations of the honor society.