Chelsea Davis Archives - Reynolds College Blog

History professor Dr. Chelsea Davis wins prestigious journal prize

September 12, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Dr. Chelsea Davis, assistant professor in the Department of History, has been awarded the 2024 CHA Journal Prize from The Journal of the Canadian Historical Association (JCHA).

In “All that Glitters Is Wine? Viticultural Capitalists and the Creation of Britain’s Colonial Wine Industry,” Davis examines how extractive mining industries in colonial South Africa and Australia also boosted the British empire’s wine industry.

The journal announced in February 2024 that Davis had won its best paper prize, which included a certificate of recognition and a monetary award of $250.

“I was very surprised,” Davis said, “but excited at the news.”

“By winning its best article prize, Dr. Davis has demonstrated the significance of her research and its respect by her peers,” said Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, head of the history department. “This award is further confirmation of the skill and dedication that she brings to her craft.”

Davis specializes in the history of the modern British Empire, especially the nineteenth century. Her research interests include British environmental and labor histories but also Britain’s colonial wine industries in South Africa and Australia.

MSU faculty get creative with Public Affairs mission

October 17, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University associate professor of history Dr. Julia Troche admits it. She is fascinated by the history of beer.

“I have always held an academic interest in the role of feasting (and drinking) in ritual and history,” said Troche, a specialist in Egypt as well as ancient history.

When she and her colleague, assistant professor of classics and global studies Dr. Bryan Brinkman, attended a local beer festival, they enjoyed visiting with brewery employees who thought their academic specialties were interesting.

From those conversations, Troche and Brinkman decided to coordinate a community-facing event about the history of beer that would align with MSU’s public affairs mission while using an interdisciplinary approach.

This would allow MSU faculty to share their expertise “in fun, accessible ways,” Troche said.

“Honoring Experience: Centering Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023” event Oct. 9

October 4, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta, will host a speaking event, “Honoring Experience: Centering Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023,” Monday, Oct. 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. in Strong Hall 401.

The event will feature four short presentations on the historical and contemporary experiences with Indigenous American communities, followed by a discussion forum.