Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science
In 2017 the University, with donations from the Ganus family, established the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science to enhance the level of teaching and learning of history and political science across campus.
Ganus joined the faculty as professor of history and chairman of the department of history and social science in 1946. An archived letter from former student Bill Diles (’58) notes Ganus was “knowledgeable, interesting, professional and left every indication that [he] had the best interest of the student at heart.” Ten years later Ganus was appointed as vice president, and he became Harding’s third president in 1965.
The distinguished chair appointment in his honor is awarded to candidates showcasing excellence in teaching and potential to make a difference through use of the accompanying funds. The endowed funds are used for research and publications, travel expenses for field trips, equipment and materials, expenses of special seminars and conferences, and visiting lecturers in the history and political science fields.
Living Letters Event Series
Feb. 22 – Coffee Talk with Dr. Heath Carpenter | 2:30-3:30 p.m., Holland-Waller Commons
- Covering the African American history documents in the collection
Mar. 1 – Coffee Talk with Dr. Julie Harris | 2:30-3:30 p.m., Holland-Waller Commons
- European documents in the Living Letters collection
Mar. 8 – Coffee Talk with Dr. Nate Wiewora | 2:30-3:30 p.m., Holland-Waller Commons
- United States founding documents in the Living Letters collection
Mar. 13 – Thomas Paine Symposium
- In collaboration with the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies
- Scholars from across the country discuss the imact of Thomas Paine
Mar. 14 – Transcribe-a-thon
- In collaboration with Arkansas PBS, the Library of Congress and the State Library System
- Make history by transcribing original, handwritten documents for historical preservation.
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