For the third year in a row, the University of Lynchburg’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society has received a Best Chapter Award.

Lynchburg’s chapter, Alpha Beta Upsilon, was listed as a 2024 Best Chapter in the official program of Phi Alpha Theta’s Biennial Convention, held Jan. 2-5 in Washington, D.C.

The chapter was honored in the Division I category, which includes colleges and universities with fewer than 3,000 students. It also was a Best Chapter in 2022 and 2023.

Phi Alpha Theta has nearly 1,000 chapters across the U.S. and approximately 400,000 members.

Madeline Brainard ’25, current Alpha Beta Upsilon president and a member of the 2024 executive board, commended the chapter’s leadership and its advisor, Dr. Lisa Crutchfield, for the achievement.

“Our chapter … is very proud to have been honored with the Best Chapter Award again,” the history major from Trumansburg, New York, said. “This award highlights the hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm of our members, as well as the unwavering support we receive from Dr. Crutchfield and last year’s leadership board.

“Our chapter’s success is because of the active involvement of our members, who consistently contribute to our programming and events. Their commitment during the school year allows us to offer a wide range of activities, from academic field trips to campus events, which enhance our chapter’s standing and enrich the experience of all our members.”

During the academic year, chapter members work on original research and, in the case of seniors, their thesis papers. They also volunteer with community partners, such as Historic Sandusky, a house museum owned and operated by the University, and the South River Meeting House, a historic Quaker church.

Chapter members give tours at Sandusky and the South River Meeting House, volunteer as judges for National History Day projects in local high and middle schools, and host history trivia and movie nights on campus.

“We promote history around campus and in the community,” Crutchfield said. “[They’re] getting hands-on skills while they’re still earning their degrees, so that they have some practical experience, both in independent research and public-facing history.”

Brainard, who plans to pursue law school or other graduate studies after Commencement, agreed. She said being a member of the honor society has helped develop her public speaking, critical thinking, and other skills.

“[It has] significantly influenced my academic pursuits and career aspirations” and “enabled a culture of academic excellence and provided a supportive network that encourages personal and professional growth,” she said.

Chapter members also present their research at conferences, like the aforementioned Biennial Convention. Four Lynchburg students, accompanied by Crutchfield, attended the convention in D.C.

Two, history majors Michaela “Mac” White ’25 and Jacob Jones ’25, presented their research in panel discussions. During the sessions, each student discussed their findings for about 20 minutes and then participated in a Q&A with the audience and other panel members.

White, a Westover Honors Fellow and history and English double major at Lynchburg, was involved in the “Gay History in the American West” panel discussion, chaired by Crutchfield. It also included panelists from Kennesaw State University and Colorado State University-Pueblo.

White’s presentation, “Wild Women, Wild West: Queer Women’s Sexuality and Gender Presentations on the Western Frontier,” also is on the lineup for Lynchburg’s Student Scholar Showcase in April.

Jones, also a history major and Westover Honors Fellow, presented his research during a session titled “Life and Death in African American Communities.” Accompanying Jones on his panel were students from Salem State and Francis Marion universities.

Jones’ research, titled “Mutual Aid Societies in African American Early-to-Mid -20th Century Communities,” also will be presented at Lynchburg’s Student Scholar Showcase.

“Both Jacob and Mac did a great job, not only in presenting their research but also in fielding questions from a packed audience,” Crutchfield said. “The ensuing discussions were lively and prompted professional contacts with others researching similar topics.”  

Jackson Stone ’27 attended the biennial conference but didn’t present, which was by design. “Part of our goal is to get underclassmen comfortable with the dynamics of a professional conference and presentation,” Crutchfield said.

“He came with us as a sophomore this year so he could learn the ropes and thereby feel more comfortable and confident in presenting at the national level as a senior.”

While in D.C., the group visited with Mike Muñoz ’24, a history alum and National Parks Service employee who works at the White House Visitor Center. They also explored the National Museum of the U.S. Army with Richard “Charlie” Maass ’25, a current student and chapter member whose dad, Dr. John Maass, is a historian at the museum.

“Dr. Maass graciously gave a behind-the-scenes tour and offered insights on working in the field of public history,” Crutchfield said.

Next on the calendar for the Alpha Beta Upsilon chapter is the Virginia Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference, to be held on March 29 at Liberty University in Lynchburg. Crutchfield and Lynchburg history professor Dr. Brian Crim also will attend.

Stone, White, and Jones will present at the regional conference, as will Jake Gamble ’25 and Joel Butcher ’26. Other Lynchburg attendees will include Maass, Ana Emond ’25, and Ericka Overstreet ’25.

To join Phi Alpha Theta, students must have a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.1 or higher GPA in their history classes. They must have completed at least 12 credit hours in history coursework, and are invited to join by the faculty advisor.

“I’m so proud of the members of our chapter,” Crutchfield said. “They are smart, dedicated students who are passionate about history and their work in the field.

“Even as a small group, they keep up the energy and excitement and continue to accomplish things that get them recognized nationally for their efforts. I think part of that is because we work hard to build a community that is supportive and engaged.”