معرفی
Dr. Barney J. Rickman is Professor of History and Department Head at Valdosta State University's College of Arts & Sciences. With a Ph.D. in History from the University of Connecticut (1990), he has dedicated his academic career to studying U.S. foreign relations, particularly U.S.-Japanese diplomatic history and the Vietnam War. Dr. Rickman joined Valdosta State University in 1990 and has served in various leadership roles, including Executive Secretary of the VSU Faculty Senate (2008-2010).
His educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in History, University of Connecticut (1990)
- M.A. in History, University of Connecticut (1985)
- B.A. in History, Rollins College (1983)
Dr. Rickman's research focuses on U.S. foreign relations since 1921, with particular expertise in U.S.-Japanese diplomatic history and the Vietnam War. He has extensively explored how information technology can enhance history education, publishing on topics like email discussions in survey classes and web-based instruction. His scholarship often examines the intersection of diplomacy, war, and historical interpretation, with numerous publications on key figures in U.S. foreign policy and critical moments in 20th century international relations.
An analysis of Dr. Rickman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on historical interpretation, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy in Asia. His work spans diplomatic history, military history, and educational methodology, with a noticeable shift toward examining teaching practices and student engagement in his more recent scholarship. While maintaining his core interest in U.S.-Japanese relations and the Vietnam War, he has increasingly focused on pedagogical approaches to help students engage with complex historical topics.
Dr. Rickman has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career:
- 2019 Warren Spencer Prize for best article published in the Journal of the Georgia Association of Historians (2016-2018)
- 2013 University and College Awards for Excellence in Advising
- 2010 Nominee for University System of Georgia Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award
- 2006 University and College Awards for Excellence in Teaching
- 1993 National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Research Stipend
- Multiple professional development grants and fellowships
As an advisor, Dr. Rickman has demonstrated exceptional commitment to student success, earning Valdosta State's Excellence in Advising Award in 2013, becoming the first faculty member to win two university-level excellence awards. He has advised numerous students and developed innovative approaches to handle a large advising load while maintaining teaching responsibilities. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, demonstrating the significance of his scholarly contributions to the field of diplomatic history.
Dr. Rickman has been actively involved in academic communities, serving as Executive Secretary of the VSU Faculty Senate and participating in numerous professional organizations including the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, Georgia Association of Historians, and National Council for History Education. He has organized conference sessions, provided commentary on scholarly panels, and developed resources for history educators, including a comprehensive website for professional educators to help VSU education majors prepare for teaching history.
