East Ruffner 226 
(434) 395-2224; fax (434) 395-2198
David Coles, Ph.D., Chair
Pearl Agee, Administrative Assistant


History

Faculty     History Program     Why Choose This History Program?     Career Opportunities

FACULTY

Phillip A. Cantrell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
 David J. Coles, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
James W. Crowl, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
Larissa  Smith Fergeson, Ph.D., Associate Professor  of History
 David Geraghty, ABD, Lecturer in History•
William C. Holliday, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
Steven Isaac, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
James R. Munson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
Melissa Pine, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
Deborah Welch, Ph.D., Professor of History   

Why Choose This History Program?

Longwood University offers prospective majors in History a rich tradition in both teaching and scholarship. Students enjoy the distinct advantage of close association with individual faculty members who not only are committed to undergraduate instruction but also are productively engaged in significant research in their fields.

Department course offerings are taught by regular faculty. Classes, especially at the upper level, are small. Because of the relatively low student-faculty ratio, history majors are assured of ample opportunity for personal contact with faculty outside the classroom, a benefit not always available at larger institutions.

The Department has seven full-time history faculty, of whom six hold the Ph.D. degree. All have completed graduate study beyond the M.A. Collectively, they are among the most productive in the University in research and publication, even though they carry full teaching loads and serve as faculty advisors to Department majors. They are the authors of numerous books and articles and have presented scholarly papers in a variety of state, regional, and national forums. But notwithstanding these interests, members of the faculty remain acutely aware that the education of Longwood students is their principal responsibility. In fact, department faculty have won a large number of teaching awards throughout the last several years.

Finally, and most importantly, the Department is dedicated to providing challenging academic programs and an educational experience of high quality. The academic demands are substantial, but so are the rewards.

Career Opportunities

Although history majors at Longwood have traditionally trained for careers in public education, opportunities in both the public and private sectors offer attractive alternatives to qualified graduates. These include governmental departments, offices, and agencies at all levels; the foreign service and international organizations and agencies; the military services; and private organizations, firms, and corporations. History majors often find that employers are seeking people proficient in the skills emphasized in the study of history: the ability to think critically, a strong background in research and organization, and the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.

Other career opportunities for history majors can be found in the rapidly growing field of Public History. Majors may find interest in pursuing careers in historic archaeology; historic preservation and restoration; library, museum, and archival work; editing and publishing; consulting; and genealogical research.

Majors will also find opportunities in such diverse fields as business and industry, journalism, law, communications, and public relations.

For another perspective on careers for the history major, click on "I Would Like to Major in History...But What Can I do When I Graduate?"--an essay by Dr. Robert F. Pace