Longwood's Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy

Congratulations to Professor of History Phil Cantrell, who was recently awarded a Franklin Research Grant from the American Philosophical Society to fund research in Ethiopia for one of the chapters in his next book project, _The Effects of the Rinderpest Cattle Epidemic in Africa in the 1890s_. Dr. Cantrell will also take over as chair of the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy on July 1, when Dr. Steven Isaac steps down after completing his second term as chair.

Following tomorrow's undergraduate commencement, the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy will host a reception for our graduates in Rotunda (Ruffner) 254. Friends, family, and alumni are all welcome to attend and to celebrate with us. Hope to see many of you there!

Commencement As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, a pair of leaders with deep ties to Virginia history and culture will address the Longwood Class of 2026 at commencement ceremonies on May 15-16.

Christian O'Neill presented his research, “Ukrainian Resistance in the Face of Russification: Nestor Makhno and Anarchism,” at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Richmond, VA in April, 2026. He also presented his work at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Undergraduate Scholarship in November 2025 at Randolph College, and at the Conference of the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia in November 2025 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Christian’s research will appear in the Spring 2026 issue of Longwood's INCITE: Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship. Both Christian and his faculty mentor, Dr. Yulia Uryadova, received recognition for their accomplishments at Longwood's recent Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. Congratulations to them both!

Dept. Chair Steven Isaac has used up his (and someone else's) 15 minutes of fame with an appearance on NPR's program With Good Reason. He guested today in a episode on Ruling Women, talking about the roles medieval women had in the wars of the central and late Middle Ages.

Ruling Women - With Good Reason Women rule!

Dr. Scott Cole pointed out the other day how many doors can be opened with a Political Science degree from Longwood. Last night, Lily Franklin (Longwood '15) demonstrated yet another by being elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for District 41. (Lily for Delegate)

Democrat Lily Franklin wins Virginia House seat flip (WFXR)- Virginia House of Delegates incumbent, Republican Chris Obenshain, has conceded the election to Democratic challenge, Lily Franklin. Obenshain’s campaign released the following statement to WFXR News: “A little while ago, I spoke with my opponent. Lily Franklin ran a spirited campaign. S...

Congratulations to the department's own Dr. Phil Cantrell, who at Longwood's recent Convocation ceremony was awarded the Murray and Cora Simpson Distinguished Professorship, which "recognizes a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to pursuing outstanding scholarship resulting in publications, presentations, or creative work in the visual and performing arts." Dr. Cantrell joins fellow department member Dr. Steven Isaac as a recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations Dr. Cantrell!

Congratulations to all of the Longwood students who participated in today's graduation, and particularly to the nineteen history and sixteen political science majors who walked across the stage during the ceremony. Proud of you all, and best of luck in the future. We look forward to hearing great things about your accomplishments!

Commencement speakers inspire Class of 2025 to serve the common good as nation’s 250th birthday nears Over the weekend, Longwood recognized a total of 1,047 degrees, as graduates heard from two distinguished speakers with deep ties to Virginia and to the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary.

The Department's Annual Scholarship and Awards Meeting--2025 Edition!

Proud of so many HIST and POSC students presenting the fruits of their studies as part of Civitae's Research Day, 23 April 2025.
Special mention to Madeline Little, whose essay on the Hujum Campaign in Uzbekistan won First Place for Humanities in Incite, Longwood's Journal for Undergraduate Scholarship.
As current students and alumni know so well: the pursuit of excellence doesn't let up.

Congratulations to history major Kadyn Bunting, who has been selected as the Wells-Bishop Intern at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts for the 2025-2026 academic year. During this paid internship, Kadyn will be working in the various departments of the LCVA, and in particular completing a project relating to museum education, which her primary area of interest. Congratulations Kadyn on being awarded this prestigious internship!