By ALISA THOMAS

Staff Writer

Two history department faculty members have been elected to leadership positions in the Louisiana Historical Association.

The LHA is the state's chief professional organization in the field of history.

Dr. Philip Cook, newly elected vice president of the LHA and McGinty professor of history, explains the election of officers and board members process.

"A nominating committee made up of five members chooses a person they see fit for the particular office," Cook said. "The members then vote based on the nominating committee's choices."

Virginia Elaine Thompson, an assistant professor of history, was also elected to a three-year term on the association's Board of Directors.

Thompson considers this new position to be a way to remain up-to-date on what is going on in the organization.

"It keeps me active and involved in the LHA and it guarantees that I participate in the conference, read journals and be informed in the most recent cutting edge research on Louisiana History," Thompson said.

Requirements to be elected to an office or become member of the board include that the nominee has been an active member of the association and the field of Louisiana history.

Cook has been chairman of several committees in the LHA, such as program committee, publications committee, nominations committee and student section.

Thompson currently serves on the association's publications committee.

Both Cook and Thompson said they think their recent achievements are beneficial to Tech and the students they teach.

"This shows that Tech is involved in the field of Louisiana history and encourages faculty members to be active in professional organizations," Cook said. "This recognition lets my students know that their teacher is respected by his fellow historians."

Thompson believes her position will allow Tech to have a voice.

"It gives Tech a say in the running of the organization," Thompson said.

Thompson said her main interest is the history of North Louisiana.

Jacynda Ammons, a graduate student of history, believes Cook and Thompson's recognition to be good for both professors and the university.

Ammons said, "It is good publicity for the school and it shows that we are active as a university and that our faculty are active as well."

Thompson's new responsibilities as a board member will include being present for discussions of new business issues, deciding if the issues are a worthwhile endeavor for the organization, helping organize conferences and being a part of an advisory board for the organization.

Upon completion of a one-year term, Cook will automatically succeed to the presidency, as the association's charter dictates.

This summer, Thompson has been invited to attend the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar for College and University Teachers on "Faulkner and Southern History at the University of South Carolina."