Andrew J. Falk

Andrew J. Falk is Professor of History and Associate Dean for the Humanities at Christopher Newport University, where he has served since 2005. He also directs the Institute for Public Humanities and chaired the History Department from 2019 to 2025 after holding postdoctoral and visiting positions at the University of Georgia and University of Glasgow.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in History, University of Texas at Austin
• M.A. in History, George Washington University
• B.A. in Political Science, George Washington University

Dr. Falk specializes in modern U.S. foreign relations with emphasis on non-state actors' influence through cultural diplomacy, propaganda, and humanitarian efforts. His research spans Cold War cultural dynamics, nuclear age societal impacts, and digital public history engagement, examining how private citizens and organizations shape international policy beyond government channels. This interdisciplinary approach bridges historical scholarship with contemporary issues in human rights and global citizenship.

His publications consistently explore American foreign relations through cultural and societal lenses, revealing patterns where popular media, civil defense initiatives, and humanitarian movements intersect with statecraft. Recent works like Shadow Diplomats extend this analysis into World Wars-era humanitarianism, while earlier research examines Cold War cultural battles and identity formation through television and middle-class experiences.

Dr. Falk's scholarly contributions have earned significant recognition:

• Sinclair Prize for Outstanding Historical Podcast (2025)
• Class of 2013 Faculty Mentorship Award (2020)
• Alumni Society Award for Excellence in Teaching (2015)
• Stuart L. Bernath Book Prize Finalist (2011)
• American Studies Symposium Best Paper Prize (2000)

He excels as an undergraduate mentor with students winning Fulbright Scholarships and national awards, while securing major research funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, Joint Distribution Committee, and New York Public Library. His leadership extends to co-leading study abroad programs across Europe and China, integrating global perspectives into historical education.

As Institute for Public Humanities Director, he develops community-focused initiatives that translate academic research into public discourse through digital platforms like the award-winning Past is Prologue podcast, creating bridges between scholarly analysis and civic engagement.