Phi Alpha Theta

Message from the President

Hello Fellow History Students and History Enthusiasts!

I am Ansleigh Ragan, the current President of the Drake University chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. Phi Alpha Theta is an honorary society that recognizes an interest in history and historical preservation as well as a desire to learn through the creation of a community of other history students. Phi Alpha Theta is also an opportunity to connect with alumni in order to further professional development within the field of history and all the opportunities that a history degree can produce, through exploring internships and promoting historical research. We engage with history professors at Drake and other local Phi Alpha Theta chapters to promote professional development including our recent attendance of the Midwest Regional Conference in April 2023. We also aim to develop a community among history students and promote a love of the study.

That being said, Phi Alpha Theta is not exclusive to history majors but is open to all students who desire to learn and celebrate all that the study of history has to offer. At the Drake Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, we have two options for membership: National and Associate. Associate members are students that have completed 3 credits of history courses and have a desire to participate in Phi Alpha Theta events as well as have an interest in history. National members are also members of the National Organization of Phi Alpha Theta and have completed 12 credits of history, have a GPA of 3.0 overall, and are in good standing with Drake University. Members who begin as Associate Members are eligible to become National Members once they meet the requirements.

To learn more about the events that Phi Alpha Theta puts on as well as to express interest in joining the organization, feel free to email me at ansleigh.ragan@drake.edu or our Recruitment Chair at rachel.shuggarts@drake.edu 

Also, feel free to check out and follow our Instagram! @phialphathetadrake

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and I hope you consider joining!

Sincerely,
Ansleigh Ragan
Phi Alpha Theta President
ansleigh.ragan@drake.edu 

National Organization

Established in 1921 at the University of Arkansas, Phi Alpha Theta is the national honors society for students of history. Dedicated to promoting the study of history, Phi Alpha Theta sponsors conferences, offers scholarship opportunities and publishes a quarterly journal. In 1998 Alpha Theta Omega, Drake University’s active local chapter, became one of the organization’s now 970 chapters.

According to Phi Alpha Theta’s main website:
“We are 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. We seek 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.”