Student Organizations
Phi Alpha Theta
Founded at Tennessee Tech in 1965, the Kappa Tau chapter of Phi Alpha Theta remains an active organization. In the past, they would sponsor various lectures to better inform their members on selected historical topics. Furthermore, they sponsored an annual Homecoming reception following the Homecoming game for alumni, students, and faculty which began in 1976 and lasted at least ten years. They also held annual banquets at varying locations; specfically, around 1986, they held spring picnics at Bend of the River to bring the academic year to a close where professors battled it out to see who was the best volleyball player on ocassion.
Presently, this national history honor society is open to all students who meet its requirements, though most members are History majors. The chapter organizes the annual History Lyceum in the Spring, where select students present their research. All participants are also allowed to participate in a history exam that includes questions that spans across time periods and cultures to test their knowledge. Additionally, recognition is presented at the annual History Lyceum for the best research presentations and top history exam score.
Phi Alpha Theta of Tennessee Tech published its own newspaper titled "The Kappa Tau News" which is known to have at least existed since 1967. It was published twice a year by the Kappa Tau chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, honorary history fraternity, for its members and other interested individuals. This involved information regarding faculty, student, and alumni activities, regional and national conventions, student thesis work, treasury summaries, movie promotions at the Princess Theatre, student member graduates, and their successes for a year to name a few.
At least in 1986, The History Department and Phi Alpha Theta of Tennessee Tech published a newspaper titled, "History Matters." The newspaper included accomplishments made by present students, faculty activities, Phi Alpha Theta news, scholarship opportunities, and interviews with newer professors to name a few topics. There was also a section specifically for alumni to submit what they have been doing since their graduation which would be advertised on the last page in an article titled "Getting the Good Word."
History Club
The History Club was established on September 29, 1931, with Dr. J. A. Rickard as its sponsor. Initially focused on fostering the study of local history, citizenship, and patriotism, the club later broadened its scope to include international affairs and was renamed the Tech History and International Relations Club at the time. Eventually, it reverted to the History Club, which remains active. The History Club hosts activities such as guest lectures, trivia nights, and social gatherings where everyone is welcome to attend.
There was also the Tennessee History Club which went in and out of activity throughout the decades. Essentially it followed the same procedures as the History Club but specifically in regard to Tennessee history. As of 2026, it is not active.
