National History Honors Society. Creation of Phi Alpha Theta March 17, 1921, by Nels Andrew N. Cleven, University of Arkansas –Saw fraternities as an.

National History Honors Society

Creation of Phi Alpha Theta• March 17, 1921, by Nels Andrew N.

Cleven, University of Arkansas– Saw fraternities as an “essential spirit of

the age”

• Wanted to increase the search for truth in history

The Mission• Promote the study of history through:

– Research– Good Teaching– Publication– Exchange of ideas

Symbolism

• PI . . . signifies Progonos, for Parenthood

• PSI . . . signifies Psyche, for Spirit of Life

• LAMBDA . . . signifies Logos, for Reason

• ALPHA . . . signifies Haima, for Blood

Symbolism Cont’d.

• UPSILON . . . signifies Hydor, for Water

• PSI . . . signifies Psyche, for Spirit of Life

• PHI, ALPHA, THETA, - Philia, Anthropos, Theos, - signifying Love, Humanity, God

Requirements• Undergraduate:

– At least 3.1 GPA in 12 hours of history credits

– Overall GPA of 3.0– Upper 35% of class– Not necessary to be a history major– Fee of $40

Requirements• Graduate:

– 3.5 GPA or better– Minimum 12 semester hours towards

Masters degree– Completed 30% of residence requirements

for the Masters degree– Pay fee of $40

Requirements• Faculty:

– Those above the rank of Instructor who teach history automatically qualify

– Pay same induction fee– Receive same benefits

Where it’s at and who’s in charge

• Headquarters:– Located at the

University of South Florida

• President– Thomas G.

Alexander, Brigham Young University

Publications• The Historian

– A distinguished quarterly with articles written by members

– Also contains book reviews– One of the largest circulating historical

journals published in the U.S.

Activities• Biennial Conventions

– Students get to meet distinguished historians and present their own research papers

• Professional Conferences- History Associations- Paper Sessions

Accomplishments• 839 chapters all over the United States

• More than 281,000 initiates since it’s inception

• One of three original departmental honor societies with membership in the ACHS