Robert F. Jefferson Jr.

Robert F. Jefferson Jr. is an Associate Professor of History at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on intersections of race, disability, and war in 20th century U.S. history. He served as a Fulbright Scholar (2019-2020) at the University of Southern Denmark and was a Woodrow Wilson Center Fellow (2023-2024).

Education: B.A. Elon College, M.A. Old Dominion University, Ph.D. University of Michigan.

Research interests include African American military history, Cold War international relations, and disability studies. He has authored three books including *Fighting for Hope* (2008) and edited volumes on black veterans and civil rights. Recent work explores WWII officer candidate schools and Cold War cultural diplomacy through Mercer Cook's activities.

Publications emphasize veterans' experiences post-conflict, civil rights struggles, and marginalized communities' historical narratives. Awards include Mellon and Truman Library grants. Current projects investigate military integration's social impacts and transnational Black diasporic networks.