Welcome to the History Department at the University of Kansas
Historians at the University of Kansas train individuals to appreciate the complexity and diversity of the human experience, to question simple explanations, to evaluate evidence in multiple forms, and to offer insightful interpretations with clarity of expression. Take some time to search through our website. You’ll find information about our programs, our courses, and our prolific faculty, and you can hear the voices of undergraduates and graduate students who have passed through the Department. Please feel free to contact any of the administrative staff and faculty with your questions.
Ethan A. Schmidt Memorial Award
The History Department has established a fund with KU Endowment to honor the memory of Ethan Schmidt. Ethan earned a PhD from the History Department in 2007. On September 14, 2015, he died tragically, shot by a fellow colleague without provocation while in his office at Delta State University. You may read more about Ethan here.
In this way, we perpetuate the Ethan's vision of the endeavor of history. Ethan wrote:
“To be a historian…is to grapple with the very core of what it is that makes us human. Our triumphs, our tragedies, our flaws, and our strengths are all laid bare by the scholarly study of history and without this kind of inquiry there is little hope for mankind.”
To honor Ethan’s love of KU and his support for graduate student development, this fund is designated for grants to graduate students in the History Department in support of their research and professional enrichment. Awards will support activities such as travel to archives, acquisition of research materials, workshop or conference participation, and other activities as needed that enhance their research and professionalization. The History Department will designate the award recipient(s) annually, as account balances permit.
Contributions should be sent to the KU Endowment, designated for the Ethan A. Schimdt Memorial Award, account # 41698. You may make donations through the KU Endowment website:
http://www.kuendowment.org/s/1312/endowment/start.aspx
or by check sent to:
Gift Processing Department
KU Endowment
P.O. Box 928
Lawrence, KS 66044-0928
or by telephone:
785-830-7576
Ethan's memory will always be an inspiration.
Statement of Support from the History Department
The Department of History supports Rock Chalk Invisible Hawk and the University of Kansas Black Student Union’s efforts to combat racism in all forms and to systematically improve resources for students of color on campus. Click here for the full letter of support issued by the Department.
