Foreword

Welcome to the 16th volume of Ibid: A Student History Journal, published by the Eta Nu Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society at Texas Woman’s University. As always, Ibid. remains committed to building student confidence through conversational mentorship that experientially grows knowledge.

As the faculty advisor, I am honored to be a part of this nationally recognized, award-winning student journal. Ibid. has been awarded a prestigious Gerald Nash Journal Prize for each of the previous nine volumes. Additionally, the Eta Nu Chapter has been recognized as a “Best Chapter in the Nation” every year from 2013-19 for its efforts to serve and engage the community, and to encourage student scholarship. This year, readers may notice an extraordinary number of undergraduate research papers.  It is a joy to work alongside such dedicated and talented students.  

As in past years, a generous private endowment allows us to award “Best Paper” prizes. Named for TWU Professor Emeritus Valentine J. Belfiglio, the Belfiglio Prize recognizes the very best in student research and writing. The winners this year are Stefanie Hustoft, Ryann Guthrie, and Lauren Davis. In addition to these award-winning papers, the sixteenth volume also includes special forum departments focusing on Female Agency and The Environment in History.

I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of the student and faculty editorial boards to the sixteenth volume. I would like to thank the members of the editorial boards, who continued to strive for excellence in the publication of our journal. I would also like to recognize the efforts of our student editors Stefanie Hustoft and Lauren Davis. Their hard work and dedication to this project is much appreciated.

This year, Ibid. is dedicated to our friend and colleague Dr. Jacob Blosser in recognition of his tremendous commitment to Phi Alpha Theta. He served as the faculty advisor of the Eta Nu Chapter for over a decade, was the founding editor of Ibid., and most recently, was president of Phi Alpha Theta from 2020-22, guiding the national organization through the pandemic years. In addition, he has inspired many students to pursue excellence during his decades of teaching at Texas Woman’s University. With thankfulness for his scholarly example, service and friendship, we dedicate this volume to him.

For sixteen years, Ibid. has shaped the development of historical scholars through collaborative relationships between students and faculty. The outstanding essays that follow demonstrate the strength of that tradition. It is with pleasure that I invite you to enjoy our sixteenth volume.

Aubri E. Thurmond
Faculty advisor