The Lee University History, Political Science, and Humanities Department, along with Phi Alpha Theta, recently hosted The Southeast Tennessee Undergraduate History Conference, featuring 28 undergraduate presenters. 

 

The conference, which has been held annually for 22 years, brings together student presenters from Southern Adventist University, Covenant College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Bryan College, Dalton State College, Lee University, and Tennessee Wesleyan University. The students presented on topics ranging from upper class eating to the Berlin Olympics of 1936.   

 

“This remarkably successful conference helps Lee University stand out as an academic institution that provides great opportunities for its students and those in the surrounding area,” said Dr. Robert Barnett, distinguished professor of history at Lee.  

 

Of the 28 presenters, five of them were Lee students and include Wes Boyanton, Jessie Henderson, Caroline Johnson, Victoria Turton, and Matthew Westcott.  

 

“Presenting is always a fun time, especially when putting forth original research for the first time and getting to share passion for a subject,” said Boyanton. “It is important to not only share history with others but to ensure that the history of the past, that played a formative role in the places we live, is not forgotten to the forces of time.” 

 

Each year, undergraduate historians attend The Southeast Tennessee Undergraduate History Conference and present their original research. In presenting their research to peers and faculty from other regional colleges and universities, they participate in the broader academic community. The conference operates on a revolving system, with different schools hosting each year. 

 

“Not only does the conference provide undergraduate students the opportunity to present before peers and faculty of other institutions, but it also helps them develop their vitae,” said Barnett.  

 

Presenters also receive feedback on their work from historians from outside their home institutions. As a result, this annual conference provides a valuable experience of the kind that professional historians value and participate in themselves.   

 

For more information on Lee’s History, Political Science, and Humanities Department, call (423) 614-8137 or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/hps.