What is Phi Alpha Theta?
Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society "whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways." (from Phi Alpha Theta’s Mission Statement)
What does Phi Alpha Theta do?
The Rhodes Alpha Epsilon Delta chapter of PAT sponsors public lectures, history trivia contests, film viewings, field trips to museums and historical sites, picnics, and lots of other exciting history-related activities. In addition, PAT regularly organizes events to help students connect the study of history with their life after graduation, including career networking dinners, alumni panel discussions, and résumé writing workshops for history students.
Each year the Rhodes chapter of Phi Alpha Theta publishes the Rhodes Historical Review, which includes the best student papers on history-related subjects. Phi Alpha Theta also encourages its members to present their research at regional and national PAT conferences.
Who belongs to Phi Alpha Theta?
Every year, the Rhodes chapter of Phi Alpha Theta invites outstanding students from across the College who have excelled in the study of history.
Any student—not just history majors or minors—who has completed twelve credits of history coursework at Rhodes and who has earned at least a 3.3 GPA in history and at least a 3.2 GPA overall can become a member. Every year during the spring semester, PAT inducts its new members.
Officers of the Rhodes chapter of PAT are elected each spring from among the current members and serve during the following academic year. The President oversees the activities and administration of the chapter; the Vice-President assists the President and acts as the chapter’s official treasurer. The Secretary keeps minutes at all meetings and communicates with the members when necessary.
General membership meetings are called by the officers throughout the semester.
Awards
Each year, the Department of History gives a Phi Alpha Theta Award to the student who has shown outstanding service to Phi Alpha Theta during that academic year.
For more information, contact the Phi Alpha Theta faculty advisor Dr. Sarah Ifft Decker or visit the national Phi Alpha Theta website.