OC history journal named best in the nation; students also win 24th consecutive Best Chapter award 

OC’s history students recognized for their undergraduate journal and for participation in the history honors society Phi Alpha Theta. The honors are a fitting finish to the career of OC’s Distinguished Professor of History John Maple.

January 15, 2020

History students at Oklahoma Christian University once again have been recognized as the best in the nation. OC’s chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society had its history journal named as the Best Undergraduate Print Journal in the nation. In addition, the student group was named a Best Chapter for the 24th consecutive year. OC’s journal has placed first three times before in what is known as the Gerald D. Nash History Journal Award competition.

OC’s chapter, known as Tau Sigma, now competes in a division against universities that have won five or more Best Chapter awards. That recognition is known as the Nels A. Cleven Award, and winners are evaluated on each chapter's activities throughout the year.

"An award of this magnitude doesn't come without hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence," Dr. Tina Winn said. "Thank you to Dr. John Maple for his leadership and to the other faculty and students for representing OC so well."

Maple is OC’s long-serving and beloved distinguished professor of history. He retired in December and gave his last lecture Jan. 8. A reception to honor him and his 43 years of service to OC was held afterward. 

“This is another triumph for our talented students,” Maple said. “It is an honor to retire just after these students won another Best Chapter Award and Best Undergraduate Print Journal Award.”

Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts John Fletcher emphasized Maple’s leadership of OC’s history students. 

“His leadership in this area is legendary,” Fletcher said. “Congratulations to him and the students on another exemplary achievement.”

Those who wish to honor Maple can contribute to a fund to create an endowed scholarship in his name for history students. More information is available at www.give.oc.edu/maples. 

OC’s “Journal of Historical Studies” includes more than 100 pages of academic articles and research written and edited by students. This is OC’s 27th volume; it has placed among the top three in the nation 11 times since 2003. 

History student Justin McLeckie said OC’s chapter activities help students after graduation, and the award brings recognition to the program.

“The Tau Sigma chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is a place where students can grow their skills related to history. Those skills benefit us even after graduating from OC, especially helping prepare us for graduate school,” McLeckie said. 

OC students are already working toward another win next year. Phi Alpha Theta recently hosted a representative of the University of Tulsa Law School. In addition, the group will travel to San Antonio, Texas, in January for the Phi Alpha Theta National Conference. Seven OC students will present research papers at the selective research conference. Those and additional students will also present at the Oklahoma Regional Conference in February.