Phi Alpha Theta ΦΑΘ
Lambda-Pi Chapter, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The History Department is home to the Lambda-Pi Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. Established in 1921, the society has over 350,000 members, with about 9,500 new members joining each year through 860 local chapters.
Student members are invited to join based on their outstanding academic achievements and interest in history. Inductions are generally held at least once a year (early in the spring term). At the induction ceremony, new initiates are given a certificate of membership. Membership in PAT is a lifetime membership, with a one-time initiation fee.
Benefits of Membership
There are many reasons to belong to Phi Alpha Theta. In addition to a certificate worthy of framing and a one-year subscription (4 issues) to PAT’s academic journal, The Historian, students can order special graduation regalia and can apply for exclusive scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate study. There are also opportunities to present papers locally and nationally and to submit papers for publication in PAT’s Newsletter.
Conferences
The Annual Southeastern Tennessee Regional Student History Conference
Alongside young scholars from Covenant College, Lee University, Southern Adventist University, Bryan College, Dalton State College, University of North Georgia, and Tennessee Wesleyan University, UTC students are encouraged to submit paper proposals to present at the Annual Southeastern Tennessee (SETN) Regional Student History Conference. The conference location rotates between participant campuses each year.
Lee University is hosting the 2026 Southeast Tennessee Historical Conference at their Humanities Center (here) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Registration will begin at 5:30 with presentations starting at 6:00. UTC students are invited to submit papers to be considered for inclusion at the conference. If possible, papers should be submitted by March 20, 2026.
Send papers and inquiries to Bob Barnett, Professor of History, Lee University, at [email protected].
For questions contact Prof. Tracy Samuel mailto:[email protected]).
Other Regional Meetings
Tennessee has yearly regional conferences that students may consider attending. PAT encourages members to take advantage of these opportunities to meet their colleagues, present papers, and exchange ideas. Georgia and the Carolinas often host smaller regional meetings as well.
Biennial Conventions
Every other year PAT holds a National Convention at which approximately sixty students present papers. Funding assistance for attendance may be available.
Semesterly Meeting
Every semester UTC’s PAT Lambda-Pi Chapter will hold an event for PAT members.
Membership Requirements
Membership is not limited to History majors!
- Minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in History
- A maximum of 3 credit hours of online, transfer, or AP credits may be applied to the membership eligibility requirement
- Minimum GPA of 3.1 in History
- A GPA of 3.0 or better overall
For more information, please contact Prof. Annie Tracy Samuel, faculty advisor to Phi Alpha Theta's UTC chapter, at [email protected].