History and
Political Science

Dear alumni and friends,

This past year has really flown by, and I wanted to update all our alumni on some standout events that have happened in the history and political science department at Missouri S&T as we look back on 2023. I want to start by thanking Dr. Michael Bruening for his service as interim department chair over the past four years. I am thrilled to return to the department after my time in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education Dean’s Office and to be able to share with you the outstanding teaching and research that makes this such an outstanding environment for students and faculty.

Additionally, I want to welcome our newest faculty member in the department – Dr. Chris Ketcherside. Chris earned his Ph.D. from St. Louis University and is an assistant teaching professor who specializes in American history. He joins us after serving as an adjunct professor of history at St. Louis Community College, Lindenwood University and Maryville University. Prior to this, he served as a U.S. Marine, retiring as a Major.

And remember, the department would love to be in contact with our alumni more frequently. Feel free to connect with us on our Facebook. If you have an achievement or other feedback to share, contact us by emailing hist-ps@mst.edu. We would love to feature you and your success in our future communications.

Hope you are having a great start to the New Year and I hope to see you at St. Pat’s in March!

Sincerely,

Shannon Fogg, Ph.D.
Chair, History and Political Science

In June, twelve Missouri S&T students spent two weeks exploring Chicago to learn about the city and its architecture through a two-week course in the Windy City. Read about their adventures online.

Dr. Kathleen Sheppard, associate professor of history and political science, has been named the director of the Center for Science, Technology and Society (CSTS). The center provides an intellectual space for scholars and students to work together on critical issues related to scientific and technical problems and controversies from a global humanistic and interdisciplinary perspective.

Dr. John McManus’s final book in his World War II Pacific theater trilogy focuses on the Allied victory – from the liberation of the Philippines to the Japanese surrender. Dr. Larry Gragg wrote two new books – Bugsy’s Shadow: Moe Sedway, “Bugsy” Siegel, and the Birth of Organized Crime in Las Vegas, and Master Builder, a Fred Kummer biography.

Alumna Dr. Sarah Myers had a new book published this year, titled Earning Their Wings: The WASPs of World War II and the Fight for Veteran Recognition.

Maj. Gen. Samuel (Bo) Mahaney, a member of CASE Dean’s Leadership Council, was elected to join Missouri S&T’s Board of Trustees this September.

In history and political science, students learn to ask the questions that matter most. For many, the first step on their learning journey is scholarship support.

Our annual phonathon is underway. We hope you’ll take the time to speak with the student caller and consider a scholarship gift. Your support will honor the great teaching Missouri S&T provides, helping our future leaders make history.