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 every year, and UTC’s Lambda-Pi Chapter hosted the 2016 SETN conference. 

The 2020 SETN Conference was scheduled to be held at UTC but was postponed due to COVID-19. The 2021 SETN Conference will be hosted by UTC on a 100% virtual platform. Presentations will be available for viewing starting on Monday, April 12, 2021. Live sessions of the conference will take place from 5pm to 8pm Eastern Time on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Find more information here, view the poster here, register for the conference here, and submit a proposal here.

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].