SHREVEPORT – Five LSU Shreveport students from its chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society presented original research at the 2026 Annual Regional Meeting of the Louisiana Chapters held earlier this month at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Four undergraduate history majors and a graduate student from the Master of Liberal Arts program represented LSUS and its Alpha-Gamma-Tau chapter.
Samuel Chandler received an honorable mention in the best undergraduate paper contest for his entry “The Greek Orthodox Church Under Nazi Occupation.”
“Our students continue to demonstrate the rigor and curiosity that define the humanities at LSUS,” said Dr. Jeff Wells, chair of the Department of History & Social Sciences and professor of history. “Presenting at Phi Alpha Theta’s regional meeting showcases their ability to contribute meaningfully to ongoing historical conversations.
“We’re proud of Samuel’s honorable mention and of every presenter who represented our university with distinction.”
Other LSUS presentations included:
- Mack Miles, “Eppes Cemetery: Not Lost, But Found”
- Lukas Harville, “The Impact of Anglo‑Saxon Stories and Their Influence on Modern Storytelling”
- William Pesnell, “Minority Rights in the Soviet Union”
- Michael Norris, “The Real Rebels: The Role of Popular Discontent in the Confederate Downfall”
“Phi Alpha Theta provides an invaluable forum for emerging scholars,” added Dr. Cheryl White, Hubert Humphreys Endowed Professor of History and advisor to the Alpha-Gamma-Tau chapter. “These papers reflect excellent mentorship, diligent archival work, and a real passion for the discipline.”
The Louisiana regional meeting brings together collegiate historians to share research and foster professional development across fields and periods.
This year’s program featured panels ranging from Louisiana history and public history to European studies, literature and theatre, and 20th‑century authoritarianism.
