The Society of Sigma Xi is an honorary scientific research society. Established in 1886 at Cornell University, Sigma Xi has more than five hundred chapters and clubs across North America at major research universities and at selected smaller colleges. Regardless of size, all chapters and clubs share common goals: to advance scientific research, to encourage companionship and cooperation among scientists in all disciplines, and to promote a wider understanding of science.

Although there were occasional meetings of scientists at an unofficial University of Arkansas club as early as 1910, Sigma Xi at the University of Arkansas was officially organized in 1928 as the Arkansas Sigma Xi Club. Since 1929, it has met several times a year to discuss science and scientific research on campus. The club has also sponsored lectures and seminars on various scientific topics on a regular basis. In 1953, the Society of Sigma Xi upgraded the status of the Arkansas Sigma Xi Club to a Sigma Xi Chapter--The Society of Sigma Xi, Arkansas Chapter. In 1962, the Arkansas Chapter obtained permission to divide itself into two chapters--the University of Arkansas Chapter, Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas Chapter, Little Rock.