In January, ߲ݴý University’s Historical Studies Program expanded to Omaha. That expansion also brought Iain Anderson to ߲ݴý as the program’s new associate director.
“I was interested in ߲ݴý because of their attention to students and their emphasis on engaging students with active learning,” said Anderson, a former Dana College history professor. “I was also interested in bringing that philosophy into a graduate program.”
Thirty-six Omaha Public School teachers are currently enrolled in the Omaha program with another 25 teachers expected to join the program this summer. The expansion to Omaha was made possible through the U.S. Department of Education’s Teaching American History Grant Program.
Anderson earned his undergraduate degree in American history from Loughborough University in England. He received his master’s degree at the University of Evansville and his Ph.D. in history at Indiana University.
As associate director of the Historical Studies Program in Omaha, Anderson plans to develop and teach foundational courses and work to meet the teachers’ needs while meeting the specifications of the grant.
Anderson has several long-term goals with the program. He plans to monitor the success of the program with the graduate students and work to maximize progress.
He also hopes to explore new clients in the Omaha area.
“I plan to develop relationships with new districts in Omaha Public Schools, and hope to work with other institutions and other Omaha area teachers to encourage them to consider ߲ݴý University,” he said.
He is currently teaching multiple sections of “Fundamentals of American History I” and plans to teach additional courses this summer.