Department Updates

History Student Organizations

The WIU History Department sponsors two active student organizations for those interested in the study of history: the Associated Students of History (ASH) and Phi Alpha Theta. We invite you to explore the opportunities provided by each.

Associated Students of History

ASH Wins 2009 College Award for Outstanding Student Organization

The Associated Students of History (ASH), open to all, is an organization designed to promote history both as a field of study and as a hobby. Among its many members, ASH includes history majors and minors, education students with concentrations in history, and others interested in the study of the past. Members meet on a regular basis during the academic year to discuss historical and professional topics and to participate in the variety of history-related programs, lectures, and movies regularly sponsored by ASH. In addition, each semester ASH sponsors a free day trip to a regional site of historical interest.

Membership in ASH is open to anyone interested in history. There are no dues, fees, or obligations to join or participate in the organization's activities.

For further information on events and programs sponsored by ASH, stop by the Department of History, visit the Department's ASH website, or contact Professor Jennifer McNabb.

ASH President Abby Lagemann presents at regional Phi Alpha Theta conference.

Phi Alpha Theta

National Honorary Society for History students

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. In order to qualify for membership to 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.

Everything's "thumbs up" with Phi Alpha Theta!

Phi Alpha Theta at Western Illinois University

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 further information on the local chapter, visit the Department's Phi Alpha Theta website or contact Professor Lee Brice.