Phi Alpha Theta

About Phi Alpha Theta

Founded in 1921, Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) is an honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. Our 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. We seek to bring students and professors together for intellectual and social exchanges which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

Nationwide, Phi Alpha Theta has over 40,000 members, and it awards over 25 scholarships and prizes annually (doctoral and graduate student scholarships, undergraduate student scholarship, paper prizes, book awards, manuscript award, best chapter awards, student history journal awards). There are national and regional conferences which provide opportunities for networking and presenting papers.

The Iowa State Kappa Iota chapter is always happy to have new members! We hold meetings throughout the academic year, usually with refreshments and often with a short talk by faculty or students. We’ve also been involved with service projects in the Ames area. We hold a book sale, give out an annual award to a faculty member in the spring, and participate in the annual Department of History banquet. Joining provides opportunities for leadership positions, for meeting grad students and faculty in informal settings, for networking and learning  — plus, we have fun! And it looks good having this national honor society on your resume.

Undergraduate students are eligible if they have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in history earned in the classroom, online, or through AP or transfer credits (or a combination thereof). A minimum GPA of 3.1 in history and 3.0 GPA overall are required.  A student need not be a history major to apply. You must fill out this application form and pay the one-time national membership fee of $50.00. Once you join, you’re a member for life!

Interested? Contact PAT’s faculty advisor, Jeremy Best: bestja@iastate.edu

Professor Engagement Award

This student-created, competitive award recognizes professors who have gone above and beyond in their mentoring, advice, and teaching. All full- or part-time History faculty members are eligible, except for the current PAT advisor. PAT members nominate professors by writing no more than a page to describe how their nominee meets or exceeds the requirements listed below. All active PAT members vote, and a simple 51% majority decides that year’s winner.

Purpose

To acknowledge and award professors for their contributions to the betterment of our education. Professors have an important impact on the students’ learning experience in college and can help students in and out of the classroom. This annual award allows Phi Alpha Theta members to show our appreciation for professors who go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Requirements

The chosen professor must be someone who truly has challenged students to become better scholars and historians. It should be someone who teaches in a respectful and engaging manner, and covers important and timely topics. It should be someone who promotes positive civic engagement. And it should especially be a professor who goes out of their way to be involved and concerned about their students.

Phi Alpha Theta, Kappa Iota Chapter, Annual Professor Engagement Award Winners

• Kathleen Hilliard (2024-2025)
• James T. Andrews (2023-2024)
• Brian Behnken (2022-2023)
• Larry McDonnell (2021-2022)
• Amy Rutenberg (2020-2021)

Members (1967-Present)