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Phi Alpha Theta

PAT LogoAllegheny College
Alpha Eta Chi Chapter
Phi Alpha Theta,
The International Honors Society in History


The History and Mission of Phi Alpha Theta

The International Honor Society in History was organized at the University of Arkansas on March 17, 1921. Since that time it has grown to over six hundred and fifty chapters in fifty states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Philippine Islands. The total number of initiates since the inception of Phi Alpha Theta is more than 270,000.

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose 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 seeks to bring students, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

Phi Alpha Theta also offers a variety of awards to encourage students' love and study of history. These include prizes for undergraduate papers and scholarships for either beginning or advanced graduate students in History.

Alpha Eta Chi Chapter

The Alpha Eta Chi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta was organized at Allegheny College in 1996. The chapter encourages its members to learn and practice the methods of the historian. To that end, student members often choose to participate in regional conferences where they present papers and discuss ideas. Opportunities also exist for field trips and other organized learning experiences.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Alpha Theta students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in History (4 history courses), with a GPA of 3.1 or better for all History classes and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better excluding History classes.

Officers for the 2005-2006 Academic Year:

President: Mr. James P. Russell (russelj@allegheny.edu)
Vice President: Mr. Matthew K. Grashoff (grashom@allegheny.edu)
Secretary: Ms. Tegan N. Millspaw (millspt@allegheny.edu)
Treasurer: Ms. Danielle M. Calaway (calawad@allegheny.edu)

For more information about membership and chapter activities contact the Faculty Advisor:
  E. Kalé Haywood
  214 Arter Hall
  (814) 332-4306
  email: khaywood@allegheny.edu

For more information, consult the website for the National Phi Alpha Theta. Here you may find information about regional and national conventions, learn about other chapters, and purchase jewelry and other items.