Phi Alpha Theta was founded by Nels Andrew Nelson Cleven at the University of Arkansas on March 17, 1921. After moving to Fayetteville, Dr. Cleven began chaperoning fraternity and sorority events, and found the atmosphere to his liking. This inspired him to create Phi Alpha Theta. To Dr. Cleven, social activities were an important component of the learning experience because “the human side of scholarship needs to be nurtured and thought made articulate.” For more information, see the National Phi Alpha Theta site.
Today Phi Alpha Theta consists of more than eight hundred thirty-nine chapters in fifty states, more than any other accredited four-year college honor society. Over 281,000 people have been initiated into Phi Alpha Theta.
The TCNJ Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta was activated in 2006. The chapter is currently being reinvigorated through the efforts of our diligent advisors and members.