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