The University of Arkansas at Monticello has announced the induction of three new members to the Alpha Nu Zeta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (PAT), the national History Honors Society.
On March 13, Bailey Groom, a junior from Texarkana, Texas; Garrett Marks, a sophomore from Crossett, Arkansas; and Samantha Stephens, a junior from San Antonio, Texas, were initiated into PAT at an evening ceremony held at the Drew County Public Library.
Groom and Stephens are also on the UAM Softball team, and several members of the team attended the ceremony. Groom was not surprised by the presence of her teammates. “We support each other,” she said. Groom is majoring in political science and history and is planning to become a lawyer. “History is an excellent major if you are going into law. We learn how to make and support an argument, evaluate sources and synthesize large amounts of information—all the skills I will need in law school.”
“Being a student-athlete is incredibly demanding,” commented PAT faculty advisor Dr. Sharon Silzell, “but maintaining a GPA high enough to qualify for Phi Alpha Theta while training and competing at the college level is a remarkable achievement.”
Phi Alpha Theta’s 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. The UAM chapter toured Lakeport Plantation in the fall and will spend the day at Vicksburg National Military Park in April. PAT members are also encouraged to participate in community service, and last October, the UAM chapter sponsored the Monticello Mayoral Candidate Debate, moderated by PAT co-advisor Dr. John Kyle Day.
For information regarding the UAM chapter of PAT or the History program at UAM, contact Dr. Silzell at silzell@uamont.edu or Dr. Day at day@uamont.edu.
