Professors: James B. M. Schick*,
Kelly A. Woestman*
Associate Professors: John L.S. Daley*, Chairperson; Jonathan R. Dresner*, Stephen A. Harmon*, Judith G. Shaw*
Assistant Professors: Kirstin L. Lawson*
Instructors: Randy E. Roberts (Associate Professor of Library Science)
*Graduate Faculty
Room: 406 Russ Hall
Telephone: 620-235-4312
Web site: http://www.pittstate.edu/department/history/
email: history@pittstate.edu
Undergraduate
Graduate
Baccalaureate Degrees
The Department of History offers programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education. Typically, students interested in teaching history/government select the BSED while those seeking a general liberal arts foundation for careers in business or law and those preparing for advanced degrees in history choose the BA. Each prospective history major should apply to the chairperson of the department for assignment to a faculty advisor who will assist the student in outlining a suitable program based upon ability, background, and interests. The faculty advisor will also help the student to select an appropriate minor field, if necessary, and to choose suitable courses at regular enrollment periods.
Awards and Scholarships
Students are acknowledged for their achievements through various annual awards such as the Pearl Brinkerhoff History Scholarships, the Dr. Mary Elizabeth Cochran Scholarship, the Margaret Curfman Scholarship, the E.W. "Bill" Hollenbeck Award, the Robert S. and Frances A. LaForte Scholarship, the Rev. Kenneth Melaragno Award (for graduate students), the Dr. Fred B. Misse Award for Excellence in History Teaching, the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship, and awards to the outstanding senior, junior, and sophomore history scholars. Online applications for departmental, as well as national, state, and off-campus scholarships can be accessed at http://www.pittstate.edu/affordability/scholarships/. Students interested in departmental scholarships should also contact the Department of History at (620)-235-4312; http://www.pittstate.edu/department/history/, or history@pittstate.edu). To be considered, you must apply.
The Pearl Brinkerhoff History Scholarships
Thanks to a generous bequest by the late Fred W. Brinkerhoff, prominent Pittsburg civic leader and long-time editor of the Headlight & Sun, the Department of History offers Pearl Brinkerhoff scholarships annually to beginning freshman majors and to junior majors transferring from community colleges. Recipients are chosen on the basis of prior academic performance, letters of recommendation from former history teachers, and their commitment to history as revealed in essay-applications.
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded every semester and is funded through the support of alumni and friends.
The Margaret B. Curfman Scholarship
Through the generosity of the Curfman family, the University offers several scholarships including The Margaret B. Curfman Scholarship--given to a major chosen by the history faculty. Recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need as well as scholastics.
The Elizabeth Cochran Scholarship
The generosity of Dr. Mary Elizabeth Cochran and her estate enables the Department of History to offer a scholarship to students on the professional semester.
The E.W. "Bill" Hollenbeck Award
The generosity of the family and friends of Col. E.W. "Bill" Hollenbeck has enabled the Department of History to award an annual scholarship in his name to deserving majors chosen by the Department, with preference given to athletes and particularly football players since Bill was a member of the team during his days as a student here. He then went on to a career in the Army, served two tours in Vietnam, and headed PSU’s R.O.T.C. program before retiring, becoming assistant to the University President, and originating the Department’s "Korea and Vietnam" course.
The Robert S. and Frances A. LaForte Scholarship
Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Robert S. and Frances A. LaForte, the Chair of the Department of History, the Department’s Teacher Education Coordinator, and a third faculty member annually choose recipients of this award from among B.S.Ed. History/Government majors who have been fully admitted to the teacher education program. Dr. LaForte graduated from the PSU History program before going on to a distinguished career at North Texas State University.
The Reverend Kenneth Melaragno Award
Reverend Kenneth Melaragno’s estate has generously funded an award for students enrolled in degree track graduate work in History. The Father Ken Award goes annually to a graduate student who has successfully completed at least six graduate credit hours and who, in the judgment of Department faculty, exhibits excellence in scholarship. Father Ken completed a Master’s degree in history at PSU while a priest with the Newman Center. After moving on to serve elsewhere, he never forgot the encouragement he received here.
The Dr. Fred B. Misse Award for Excellence in History Teaching
The generosity of Dr. Fred B. Misse’s family and friends has enabled the Department of History’s faculty to reward annually an exceptional senior or graduate student who plans to teach history. Fred taught in the History Department for 30 years, specializing in recent U.S. history, particularly diplomatic history. He had a deep love of teaching, which is why this award is especially appropriate |
