Phi Alpha Theta is one of the oldest national honor societies in America. As a professional organization dedicated "to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians," the society brings together students, teachers and scholars of history for mutual exchange (Phi Alpha Theta Mission statement). Founded at the University of Arkansas in 1921, there are currently over 850 active Phi Alpha Theta chapters throughout the United States, with over 270,000 initiates.
Messiah University's connection to Phi Alpha Theta began on April 4, 2003, when sixteen history majors were inducted into the Alpha-Kappa-Sigma Chapter. Students considering membership in Alpha-Kappa-Sigma, the Messiah University chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, must be a history major or minor, have taken at least four history courses, and have a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The next initiation ceremony will be in the Spring of 2021. Students interested in applying for membership in Alpha-Kappa-Sigma should contact the chapter advisor, Professor Sarah Myers.
Professor Wilson presides at the Phi Alpha Theta Ceremony induction in Fall 2017.
History faculty with students inducted into the Alpha-Kappa-Sigma chapter of Phi Alpha Theta in Spring 2019.
Member Classes of Alpha-Kappa-Sigma:
Class of 2019-2020 - Grace Beattie, Chloe Dickson, David Ford, Chloe Kauffman, Christopher Mundis, Lydia Wittman, Kyra Yoder
Class of 2018-2019 - Molly Elspas, Collin Gallagher, Rebecca Lokos, Robin Schwarzmann
Class of 2017-2018 - Alanna Carnes, Daniel Collins, DestinyAnn Fasnacht, Nicholas Headland, Devon Hearn, Rachael Jasitt, Meghan McGuinness, Rachel Williams, Sarah Wilson
Class of 2016-2017 - Glenn Callihan, Joshua Carter, Evan Drexler, Abigail Koontz, Emily La Bianca, Brian Peters, Kayla Rollins, Jonathan Werthmuller
Class of 2015-2016 - Cassandra Baddorf, Abby Blakeney, Rachel Bowser, Laura Passmore, Rachel Robison, Gregory Slye
Class of 2014-2015 - Megan Ekstrom, Emily Mee, Taylor Schock, Alyssa Vorbeck
Class of 2013-2014 - Rachel Carey, Jonathan Fuller, Kelly Henderson, Cory Hulsizer, Kathryn Kaslow, Kyle Polinka, Phillip Strunk, Nicholas White, Caroline Wulf, Becka Zimmerman
Class of 2012-2013 - Grady Breen, Meagan Bricker, Naomi Guerrasio, Robert Hocutt, Elizabeth Motich, Brooke Strayer, Megan Sullivan
Class of 2011-2012 - Jessica Barnett, Sarah Gross, Elijah Kane, Brianna LaCasse, Paul R. Kio
Class of 2010-2011 - Danelle Nolt, Megan Keller, Anya Zook, Tera Martin, Caleb Benner, Natalie Burack, David, Jennifer Schmalbach, Michelle Bennett, Sharon Hoeck
Class of 2009-2010 - Melinda Maslin, Amanda Mylin, Katie Garland, Valerie Weaver, Kelly Dobbs, and David Fox
Class of 2008-2009 - Jennifer Cline, Elizabeth Coon, Alexander Lovelace, Jason Stussy, Jason Potoka, Lauren, Thomas DeShong, Andrew Henry, Rachel Skotnicki, Nick Schmuck
Class of 2007-2008 - Courtney Weller, Caitlin Babock, Tim Beirne, Christine Kelly, Scott Orris, Marty Zimmerman
Class of 2006-2007 - Michelle Bomboy, Dillon Keeks, Kelly McElligott, Jennifer O'Connor, Daniel Richards, Matthew Smith, Bethany Stine, Brian Swayne, Chad Watkins
Class of 2005-2006 - Blake Benner, Matthew Bucher, Matthew Caligiure, Rebecca Clarke, Peter Fowler, Andrew Hermeling, Jennifer Howell, Sarah Mose, Cali Pitchel, Alison Polivka, Joshua Roth, Mary Lee Shade, Laruen Smith, Lisa Stubbs, Justin Wenger
Class of 2004-2005 - Philip Bess, Justin Bollinger, Cheryl Cliver, Heidi Dunkle, Krystal Egleseder, David Gilbert, May Harmer, Rachel Heeter, Kelly Knight, Angela Lohman, Corrine Major, Kelsey Spencer, Shawn Truppo
Charter Members and Class of 2003 - Laura Dody, Jeffrey Erbig, Megan Giordano, Sharon Hopper, Megan Jones, Wayne Kantz, Timothy Klein, Janet Kraft, Lisanne Roth, Myron Sauder, Meghan Sears, Kevin Schneider, Derek Stanton, Nathan Tillman, Vanessa Walters, Brian Womer