Comprised primarily, but not exclusively, of history majors, Phi Alpha Theta is led by its student officers. A student from the organization is also selected to serve as a representative of the student body on the History Undergraduate Council each semester.
Executive Board, 2024-2025
President: Celeste Deale (she/her)
Celeste Deale is a junior at UW-Madison studying History, French, and Educational Policy Studies. Her academic interests include anti-intellectual history, the relationship between history and literature, and the late Tudor era of England. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, re-watching Community and Psych, and playing with her cat (aptly named Lady Jane Grey). Celeste is also a Peer Advisor in the History Department. After graduation, she plans on attending law school and eventually practicing intellectual and entertainment law.
Marketing Chair: Lauren Kelly (she/her)
Lauren Kelly is the Phi Alpha Theta Marketing Chair for the 2024-2025 school year. She’s a junior double majoring in History and Biology, and she is interested in using both to pursue the History of Science. Her areas of interest include history of the body, LGBTQ+ history, medical history, and the history of nonviolence. Lauren is also a Peer Advisor in the History Department, a Writing Fellow for the English Department, and a Student Coordinator for UW-Madison’s Nonviolence Project. In her free time, she enjoys hot yoga, reading, trying new restaurants, and car karaoke.
Secretary/Historian: Amanda Smith (she/her)
Amanda Smith is the Phi Alpha Theta Secretary and Historian for the 2024-25 school year. She is a senior majoring in History and International Studies with a certificate in European studies, and she hopes to pursue a career in the foreign service. Her primary areas of interest are World War II, early modern Europe, and Women’s history. In her free time she enjoys reading, cycling, shopping, and spending time with friends.
Vice President: Allison Bakalars (she/her)
Allison Bakalars is the Phi Alpha Theta Vice President for the 2024-25 school year. She is a senior majoring in History, Cartography/GIS, Physical Geography, and Environmental Studies with a certificate in Data Science. Her areas of interest are Medieval Europe, how geography affects urban development, and utility services. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching tv/movies, playing card games, and going out with friends.
Events Chair: Lucas Meyer (he/him)
Lucas Meyer is the Phi Alpha Theta Events Chair for the 2024-25 school year. He is a senior majoring in History and Political Science with a certificate in Political Economy, Philosophy, and Politics (PEPP). His areas of interest are Ancient and World War II history, International Relations, and European Politics. Lucas plans to attend law school and pursue a career in prosecution or corporate law following graduation. Outside of school, he enjoys surfing, golfing, running, traveling, and playing beach volleyball.
Need to get in touch with Phi Alpha Theta? Email phialphatheta@mailplus.wisc.edu.