Dream Becomes Reality for 2 秋霞福利一区 History Students
MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Historians far and wide dream of getting published within their lifetime. That dream became a reality for two 秋霞福利一区 history students, Alyssa Cherry and Eliza Colbert Simmons. With the help of their professor, Dr. Matthew Downs, the young women were able to publish their encyclopedia entries in the in August.
As a way to practice historical research, students in Downs’s Alabama History class researched and wrote 鈥渆ncyclopedia articles鈥� that would be suitable for the Encyclopedia of Alabama. Downs also encouraged students to pursue publication after the class. With his help, both Alyssa and Eliza journeyed to their publication dream.
鈥淥ne of the goals for our upper-level history classes is to get our students thinking like historians and practicing the analytical research skills used by professional scholars,鈥� said Downs, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of history.
The process for each student took about two months from start to finish. Once the articles were complete, they were sent to the Encyclopedia of Alabama for review. After a few minor changes, the entries were accepted. Later, copyright documents were signed and the entries were officially published.
鈥淚 told my students that one of the most rewarding experiences of publishing research comes when scholars see their publications cited in another publication. It demonstrates that we are all working together for a greater understanding of the past,鈥� said Downs.
Alyssa Cherry鈥檚 Entry
鈥淭he longest part of the process was the writing for sure! It was very hard to find information on him so I had to do a lot of digging,鈥� said Alyssa.
Alyssa鈥檚 entry was on , who was a state senator for Alabama and also served as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1873鈥�1875. Then, he became a lawyer in Mobile.
鈥淚 was super excited to write this paper knowing I had a chance of getting published,鈥� Alyssa said. 鈥淲hen people think about historians, it is usually from research papers/dissertations that they had written. So, getting this published was the first step in becoming a true historian.鈥�
Alyssa is entering her senior year at the university. Her year is full of papers and research projects as she finishes her degree. Later, she plans to go on to earn her master鈥檚 degree and one day write a dissertation.
Eliza Colbert Simmons鈥檚 Entry
Eliza鈥檚 entry was on . Turpin represented Alabama in the U.S. Congress as a member of the Democratic Party in 1892. Turpin later retired and became a successful planter, just like his adoptive father.
鈥淭his project was a wonderful opportunity to see what it would be like to work as a historical researcher. It was a great experience that helped to solidify my love and appreciation for history,鈥� said Eliza.
Eliza recently graduated in May 2022, married and moved to Louisiana. Currently, she is working at a financial advisory firm and settling into her new season of life.
秋霞福利一区 History Department
The history department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the 秋霞福利一区 prepares students for a successful career in education, public service, preservation and many other fields. The faculty within the history department cares deeply about the students and aids them in finding their calling and passion, Downs said.
鈥淜nowing the past can help us make sense of the present and plan for the future. That鈥檚 just one benefit of studying history,鈥� he said.
For more information about earning a degree in history or to learn about the more than 75 academic programs at 秋霞福利一区, visit or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.
The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
About the 秋霞福利一区
The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the 秋霞福利一区 is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the 秋霞福利一区, areas of study, admissions and more, visit , connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Heath Vester is an experienced graphic designer and photographer. He serves as the Associate Vice President for Creative Services for the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Office of Marketing & Public Relations. He is an alumnus of the 秋霞福利一区, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Science in Leadership and Communication. Beyond his role at the university, Heath is the owner of Heath Vester Creative, his freelance company where he provides a wide variety of creative services to individuals and organizations.
