OC’s history honor society journal named Best Chapter among all U.S. schools of a similar size

This is the first time OC’s Phi Alpha Theta chapter has received this award since the passing of Distinguished Professor of History John Maple.

Oklahoma Christian University students are held to a high standard for the work they produce, and students in OC’s history honor society Phi Alpha Theta are no exception. OC’s Phi Alpha Theta chapter, Tau Sigma, has been named a Best Chapter among all U.S. schools of a similar size. This is the first time that Tau Sigma has received this award since the passing of Distinguished Professor of History John Maple in 2021. Previously, Tau Sigma received this award for 24 consecutive years. 

OC History Department Chair Matt McCook now oversees OC’s Phi Alpha Theta chapter. 

"Under Professor John Maple, this had become routine through 20+ wins, but this is the first time we've received a Best Chapter recognition since his passing,” McCook said. “I attribute the recognition to our small, but excellent membership whose papers took the top two places at the State PAT conference last year, the fine journal we put together from their work and the travel experiences we shared last spring."  

OC Phi Alpha Theta students enter the Gerald Nash Journal Competition with the production of their journal, “Journal of Historical Studies.” The competition requires students to write more than 100 pages of academic research and articles. While not an easy task, it is not uncommon for OC’s chapter to place in the competition. 

“It means a lot to be recognized by Phi Alpha Theta and to continue the legacy of excellence we’ve had for many years,” McCook said. “Our chapter is small but our students are amazing, and awards like these are a testament to their academic excellence and interest in history education.”