Cumberlands Phi Alpha Theta Chapter Wins Division V Best Chapter Award

Upsilon Upsilon, the University of the Cumberlands’ chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, was recently recognized with the Division V Best Chapter Award for 2024. Phi Alpha Theta is a national history honor society with chapters at colleges and universities across the country. Cumberlands’ chapter aims to promote historical scholarship and foster social connections among undergraduate students.

Upsilon Upsilon earned the Division V Best Chapter Award largely due to the many immersive learning opportunities it offered throughout the academic year. One major highlight was a trip to the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, KY. While there, students learned how to navigate historical archives and viewed the original Kentucky State Constitution.

Another standout experience was the chapter’s weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. During their visit to the nation’s capital, students toured the White House, visited Senator Mitch McConnell’s office in the Capitol Building, explored Arlington National Cemetery, and toured George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.

Dr. Stephanie Lawton, assistant professor of history and Upsilon Upsilon’s faculty advisor, expressed pride in the chapter’s accomplishments.

“I’m proud of my club members during the 2023-2024 academic year for their commitment and enthusiasm to the club and the wonderful experiences that we all shared together while learning about history,” she said. “Seeing my students sit at Senator McConnell’s desk in his Capitol Hill office was a special moment. I think those types of experiences help students dream big and realize that they could one day make a difference.” 

Membership in Upsilon Upsilon is open to students of all academic backgrounds who enjoy history. To qualify, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of college-level history courses, hold a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, and maintain a 3.1 GPA in history coursework.

Dr. Lawton is currently working to revive the club and recruit new members.

“It has been a challenge to revive the club post-Covid. Students have many constraints on their time, and many students have not heard about the club and the opportunities it provides,” she shared. “I hope that news of this award will help more students find and participate in the club so they can build new friendships and learn more about history.” 

Students interested in joining or participating in future club activities should contact Dr. Stephanie Lawton at stephanie.lawton [at] ucumberlands.edu.