Department Updates

Phi Alpha Theta

National Honorary Society for History

The mission of Phi Alpha Theta is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, teaching excellence, publication, and the exchange of ideas among historians. In fulfillment of this mission, Phi Alpha Theta endeavors to bring together students, teachers, and writers through a broad range of activities that assist historical understanding and research. First established at the University of Arkansas in March 1921, Phi Alpha Theta is now the largest accredited honor society in the United States with more than 700 chapters located throughout the nation.

Spring 2009 Phi Alpha Theta Intiation

Phi Alpha Theta at WIU

Western Illinois University is home to the Omicron Omicron chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. Each year, our local chapter sponsors a number of activities for its members and the community at large. For more information on the local chapter, contact Professor Lee Brice.

WIU's Phi Alpha Theta chapter sponsors an on-line journal of student research, the Western Illinois Historical Review, edited in 2009-10 by Bridget Quinlivan and Sarah Garmer.

Spring 2010's Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference will be held March 27 here at Western Illinois University. Students are invited to submit paper proposals. Click here for the Call for Papers and the Conference Registration form.

Phi Alpha Theta reception, Spring 2008

Activities and Programs

The national organization of Phi Alpha Theta sponsors a variety of programs for the benefit of its members. Among these are: biennial conventions for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty members; annual awards in recognition of outstanding papers written by the society's members; and scholarships to support the study of history at the graduate level. In addition, Phi Alpha Theta publishes The Historian, a distinguished scholarly quarterly devoted to all fields of historical inquiry.

To request further information concerning Phi Alpha Theta, its national programs, activities, and scholarships, e-mail the society at phialpha@ptd.net.

Phi Alpha Theta Reception, Spring 2008

Membership Requirements

In order to qualify for membership in Phi Alpha Theta, undergraduate students must have completed at least 12 semester hours of coursework in history while maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all History courses. In addition, students must maintain an overall gradepoint average of 3.0 and rank in the top 35% of their undergraduate class.

Phi Alpha Theta's 2008-2009 President, Amy Kallenbach

Phi Alpha Theta in the News

Spring 2008 Phi Alpha Theta Initiation at WIU

Phi Alpha Theta and the Associated Students of History, the Department's other student organization, frequently co-sponsor activities.