Student Profiles

Leah Thomas

What was your major?

Double Major in Art History and Archaeology. Minors in History, Classical Studies, and International Studies.

Graduation Year?

May 2012

Hometown?

Denison, Texas

Things you did while attending UE?

I was a Resident Assistant and International Orientation Leader. I also presented research at several conferences, as well as in the form of a public lecture at the Reitz Home Museum in Evansville and a docent lecture at the Sid Richardson Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas. In addition, I utilized a UExplore Undergraduate Research Grant to fund an internship at George Washington’s Mount Vernon; I also completed internships at the Sid Richardson Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas, and at Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. in Evansville. Finally, in the Spring of 2011, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where I studied Renaissance art history and volunteered as a guide in the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Most impressionable experience at UE?

Being a part of the International Orientation process had a huge impact on my time at UE. It was wonderful to meet people from so many different places, learn from their experiences, and assist them with the transition to life in the United States.

Favorite professor and why?

During my time at UE, I became very close to Dr. Heidi Strobel, Associate Professor of Art History. Her encouragement was a very important part of my decision to apply to graduate school, and she worked closely (and tirelessly) with me throughout the application process.

Favorite class and why?

One of my favorite classes at UE was a history course on Women in the Pre-Modern World, taught by Dr. Annette Parks. The small class size made this course very relaxed and facilitated many thought-provoking discussions. I took this course as a Sophomore, and found many of the concepts introduced in this class to be relevant in an interdisciplinary sense throughout my remaining years at UE.

Clubs and organizations in which you were active and which one meant the most to you and why?

I was active in several campus organizations, including International Club, IPALS, and Phi Alpha Theta. Phi Alpha Theta, a history honors society, enabled me to participate in several conferences, including the society’s biennial conference in Orlando, Florida.

What did you like best about the Honors Program?

My favorite aspect of the Honors Program at UE is its support for student research. It was largely due to the generous funding of the Honors Program that I and several other students were able to present our work at the Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Conference in Orlando.

What have you beend doing since graduation?

Since graduation I have moved to North Carolina, where I am beginning an Art History MA program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I will also be working as a Graduate Assistant to help implement the department’s annual lecture series.

What are your goals (career, education, life, etc.?

My current goals include the completion of my MA in Art History, as well as an eventual PhD. I plan to use this education to pursue a career in the museum field.

Do you think your Honors Program experiences have helped/will help you reach your goals?

By participating in the UE Honors Program, I gained a valuable foundation in research-based learning as well as encouragement to pursue independent study. These scholarly ideals will be an important platform for my graduate studies.