Christopher Corley

Christopher Corley serves as Dean of Library and Learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato since July 2019 and holds the rank of Professor of History, promoted in 2017. His academic career at the institution began in 2004 as Assistant Professor of History, with prior leadership roles including Honors Program Director, History Graduate Program Coordinator, and History Department Chairperson. He co-led university-wide committees including Assessment and Evaluation and Buildings and Landmarks.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Master's and Doctorate in History from Purdue University

Corley's research centers on pre-modern European history with deep specialization in early modern France (18th century), particularly the history of childhood, youth, and family formation. His scholarship examines social structures, child welfare systems, and provincial-state dynamics in Burgundy and Dijon. He maintains strong parallel interests in undergraduate research mentorship and honors education pedagogy.

Publication analysis reveals a dual scholarly trajectory: historical research on French social history (75% of output) and academic leadership/administration (25%). Recent works (2022-2023) show increased collaboration with library science professionals while maintaining core historical scholarship. Key thematic threads include child circulation systems, young couple formation, and state-paternal authority tensions in provincial France.

No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text.

Corley actively fosters undergraduate research in history through collaborative models, as evidenced by his 2013 publication. His leadership extends to university governance through committee work and completion of Harvard's Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians (2023). While specific grants aren't detailed, his committee roles suggest involvement in institutional assessment and facility planning initiatives.