Phi Alpha Theta
About Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is a national history honor society. Its stated 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. It endeavors to bring students,
teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which
promote and assist historical research and publication by its members in a variety
of ways.
Membership Benefits
Phi Alpha Theta offers much to those interested in history. Membership provides many
scholarly opportunities by means of meetings, conferences and publications. It also
fosters relationships with people of like interest, through social as well as professional
interaction. For those considering graduate study, regardless of the field, membership
provides an excellent reference on one’s graduate school applications, as well as
vital experience and preparation for future professional participation. For those
not planning on graduate study, membership can still offer valuable preparation in
many different career fields, as well as an impressive reference on one’s resume.
Membership Qualifications
The requirements for membership are as follows. One must have completed 12 semester
hours in the field of history (only classes with the prefix HIST count), have a 3.1
GPA in the field of history and a 3.0 overall grade. One does not need a major or
minor in history to join Phi Alpha Theta. The costs of membership are low. There is
a one-time $40 initiation fee, with no further costs for maintaining a lifetime membership.
Chapter History
The Chi Theta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at Ouachita Baptist University was founded in 1976 with twelve charter members. Their first faculty advisor was Dr. Tom Auffenberg; current advisors are Dr. Chris Mortenson and Dr. Bethany Hicks. The Chi Theta chapter has remained active to this day, with hundreds of OBU students joining its ranks during the course of its history. It has sponsored numerous scholarly and social activities, and has provided untold opportunities to its members over the years. In April of 2003, the Chi Theta chapter hosted the Phi Alpha Theta state meeting.
