OXFORD — Ryan Cory Perkins of Natchez is among 70 University of Mississippi College of Liberal Arts students inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization, at the University of Mississippi this spring.

Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, Phi Beta Kappa pursues a mission of fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

UM was permitted to shelter the Beta of Mississippi chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in October of 2000 after a rigorous evaluation of core programs, site reviews and recommendations from society officers and members.

Perkins, a senior biochemistry major at Ole Miss, is the son of Terry and Dianna Perkins and also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Hall of Fame.