Why study History at MC?
Maryville College History majors encounter the seemingly endless diversity of human experience, as lived through thousands of years from the ancient world to the 21st century. They explore individuality and social organization, politics and religion, war and peace, art and economy, stability and revolution, the rise and fall of republics and empires, and much else. They reconstruct the changing social nature of love, hate, honor, fear, patriotism, respect, and devotion. They can choose courses in United States, European, Asian, African and Latin American history.
Studying history is concerned with our own times as well as the past. Why are things the way they are? Could they be different? What would that take? What can we reasonably expect in decades to come? These questions about the present and the future lie behind almost all study of the past. Studying history can help you free your mind, because it uncovers possibilities for ways of being, thinking, and acting.
Studying history equips you to learn, to think, to communicate–to succeed.
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
Since 2021, History Professor Dr. Nancy Locklin-Sofer and her students have been working to solve a nearly 100-year-old local mystery involving a serial killer whom the media dubbed “The Night Marauder.” Dr. Locklin-Sofer is under contract for a 2026 book on the case that draws from her research and that of her students.
Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society in history, and the College’s Alpha-Mu-Psi chapter welcomes new inductees every April. Students who qualify for participation are eligible for scholarships and may present papers at conferences. The History Society is open to any student with an interest in history. Together, these groups host a history fair and plan events such as the year-end historical water gun battle “reenactment.”
Meet a Current Scot
Kayana Donegan
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Maryville College’s reputation for small class sizes, a supportive community, and emphasis on student success stood out during Kayana’s college search. “It felt like a place where I could grow academically and personally,” she said.
Kayana equates the study of history to piecing together a complex puzzle, learning how events, decisions and people are interconnected across time and how solving those puzzles helps her gain a greater understanding of herself and the world. She plans to continue her education post-MC and work in public history – either museums or archives. “I want my career to focus on helping people connect with the past in meaningful and accessible ways,” she added.
Meet a Recent Grad
Luke Nelson ’24
Currently: Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University
Luke declared his major in History during his sophomore year at MC after a first-year course in early American history sparked his interest. While a student, Luke interned in the office of the VP & Dean of Academics and then in the office of the VP & Dean of Students.
“With those internships, I learned exactly what I wanted to do for my future career, and I am forever grateful to Maryville College for giving me those opportunities,” he said.
His career plans are to pursue a career in the field of higher education administration with the ultimate goal of a presidency/chancellorship at a college or university.
