Southeastern Louisiana University Dept of History and Political Science

09/04/2026

The Department of History and Political Science offers dynamic B.A. programs in History, Political Science, and Social Studies Education and an M.A. in History that help our graduates to get good jobs and to be well-informed, civic-minded students. In addition to offering a broad range of classes by award-winning, internationally recognized faculty in History, Political Science, and Philosophy, we also provide students with an opportunity to study abroad in Great Britain, Italy, and Peru, and we enable students to present their research at professional conferences. We also sponsor an annual series of Fanfare lectures in the fall and a comparable program in the spring, and faculty do dozens of presentations for libraries and local historical associations each year.

This year, we are raising funds to support two important new projects. One is our new HIPS Military Museum, located in the Patricia A. Ahrens Gallery in Fayard Hall, home to large collections donated by Al Freyder and Ralph Shaw and additional donations from alumni, and currently presenting an exhibit on “The Nuremburg Trials and the Search for Justice.” The other is that in June the department will host the annual meeting of the South Central Renaissance Conference, a prestigious, multidisciplinary organization that will put Southeastern in the international spotlight, that has featured presentations by Southeastern faculty leading to two recent scholarly books and numerous refereed journal articles, and that encourages, welcomes, and funds participation by undergraduate and graduate students.

09/04/2026

This was an incredible event last year. Dozens of area firemen showed up in full gear (essentially the same that New York City firemen wore into the Twin Towers on 9/11) and climbed the stairs in the University Center until they had completed the equivalent of 110 floors. Joining them were a number of our ROTC students, veterans, and civilians. This year they are doing it again and once again collecting items for charity. Let me tell you, these folks do not get enough credit for what they do, and neither does Captain Emily Anthony, Director of Military and Veteran at Southeastern, an active member of the National Guard, and the organizer of this event. Thank you all, firemen, veterans, and future veterans, for your service.

09/04/2026

Well, this is cool and unexpected. My friend and fellow Tudor historian Erin Halloran just tipped me off that another friend and Tudor historian Heather Tesco took an old article of mine from 1987, "Murder at Crowhurst: A Case Study in Early Tudor Law Enforcement," and told the story (quite well) on her podcast.
Bill Robison

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09/03/2026

Posted as a public service for HIPS majors.

08/31/2026

Dr. Jeff Wright, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, recorded this video to be played at the retirement ceremony of Brigadier General Amy Bumgarner (USAF). It expresses the pride we all feel in her achievements and our gratitude for her service. But not only does Dr. Wright congratulate General Bumgarner on her retirement, he also informs her that she is the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Alumna of the Year and will be recognized as such at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Alumni Banquet in October. General Bumgarner – Amy to all of her former professors and classmates – earned the B.A. in Government and M.A. at Southeastern, has routinely gone above and beyond in her Air Force careers, and richly deserves this award. Thank you, Amy!

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08/26/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, the HIPS Military Museum is open for business, 10:00-3:00 Monday-Thursday or by appointment. Portions of the current exhibit may be too intense for small children, but admission is free and open to all. History belongs to all of us. Come get your share!

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Brigadier General Amy Bumgarner (USAF) – a distinguished thirty-year veteran, a Southeastern Louisiana University M.A. in History, and a courageous woman I am proud to call my friend – on her well-deserved retirement. Enjoy every minute of it, Amy - you earned it!

Bill Robison, Department Head

Brig. Gen. Amy S. Bumgarner, AFOSI’s 20th commander, will retire after more than 30 years of Air Force service. As she prepares to leave command, she reflects on a tenure shaped by strategic change,

08/22/2026

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/08/22/rare-letters-kin-missing-soldiers-are-donated-gettysburg-museum/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=&utm_term=

A Virginian asked a Gettysburg doctor to help find the body of his brother, killed in the Civil War battle there. A Georgia man spoke of the precious “dust” of a slain relative.

08/21/2026

https://www.southeastern.edu/2026/08/bridget-hester-presidents-award-for-excellence-in-teaching/

One of only three political scientists in the Department of History and Political Science, Hester teaches a wide range of courses and helps prepare students to become informed citizens and future leaders.