BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Judkin Browning, professor in the Appalachian State University Department of History, is the recipient of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies' 2023-24 100 Scholars Research Award. Dr. Browning was presented with the award at the Williams School of Graduate Studies awards reception on Tuesday, April 4.
The 100 Scholars Research Award honors a senior faculty member who is performing well above the standard level of faculty research. The funding ($1,000) can be used towards any expense related to performing the research or creative activities in the faculty member’s current research project.
Browning earned his bachelor's degree in history from Florida State University, his master's degree in public history from North Carolina State University and his doctorate in history from the University of Georgia. He joined the Appalachian State Department of History as an assistant professor in 2006. Browning was promoted to associate professor in 2012 and full professor in 2017. Additionally, he served as the department's graduate program director from 2017 to 2023.
Browning's nominators emphasized his scholarly accomplishments throughout his 18-year career at Appalachian State. He was commended as a strong teacher, mentor and scholar. A leading Civil War historian, Browning is the author of four books and the co-editor of one book. Browning’s An Environmental History of the Civil War (UNC Press, 2020), co-authored with renowned environmental historian and colleague Dr. Timothy Silver, is the first comprehensive study on the role that the environment played in shaping the events and outcome of the American Civil War. The book was selected as a 2021 Choice Outstanding Academic Title.
In addition to his books, Browning has published numerous important articles, book chapters and essays. Since 2014, he has served as the Series Editor for the University of Georgia Press’ New Perspectives on the Civil War Era, which has produced nine major books by other scholars in his field of study. Browning also developed the Digital Humanities site, www.tarheeltroops.org, in January 2024. The site provides several databases, letters and blog posts about North Carolina soldiers during the Civil War, all derived from the various projects on which he is working.
"Judkin has clearly established himself as a major figure in American Civil War and Reconstruction history, and his presence on our campus and in our classrooms is a credit to the increasing stature of Appalachian State as a center for major research activity." - Nominator
Browning's colleagues emphasized his teaching and mentorship with one writing, "Judkin’s enthusiasm for scholarship also informs his work in the classroom. He routinely teaches HIS 5000, a basic introduction to graduate study and research methods. I know from having had some of his students in my graduate seminars that he prepares them well...Students who have worked with him have won thesis awards and gone on to first rate Ph.D. programs around the country. His dedication to undergraduate teaching is evident in his uniformly high student evaluations (even from his 1000-level courses) and his recognition by the College of Arts and Sciences as an outstanding young faculty member."
Indeed, Browning was awarded the College of Arts and Sciences' William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award in 2008. He went on to receive University College's Wayne Duncan Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship for Outstanding Teaching in General Education in 2014. Throughout his time at Appalachian, Browning has directed 15 graduate and three undergraduate theses and four of his master's advisees have received the William School of Graduate Studies' Outstanding Thesis Award. In 2022, Browning was inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Mentors in recognition of exemplary mentorship.
Browning has one book, Deserter Declarations: Letters from North Carolinians Who Abandoned Their Confederate Units, scheduled for publication next year by University of Georgia Press. He is also conducting research for his seventh book, Reverberations of Battle, a comparative study of the experiences of soldiers in the 26th North Carolina Regiment and 24th Michigan Regiment during and after the Civil War.
A nominator wrote about the forthcoming book, "This is a new kind of military history, one that seeks to chart the enduring effects of war not only on the battlefield, but also on the home front. This will make a wonderful book, one that is already much anticipated by Civil War scholars." Browning plans to use the funds from the 100 Scholars Award to complete his research for the book at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
The College of Arts and Sciences congratulates Dr. Browning on this honor!
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About the Department of History
The Department of History offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional and world history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, which encourages history majors to develop a comprehensive approach to human problems. The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education and offers valuable preparation for many careers, such as law, journalism, public history, public service and business, as well as in teaching and the advanced discipline of history. Learn more at https://history.appstate.edu.
About Graduate Education at App State
Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at https://graduate.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
May 13, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
Dr. Judkin Browning, professor in the Appalachian State University Department of History, is the recipient of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies' 2023-24 100 Scholars Research Award.
Dr. Judkin Browning, professor in the Appalachian State University Department of History, is the recipient of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies' 2023-24 100 Scholars Research Award.