David L. Preston

Dr. David L. Preston is the General Mark W. Clark Distinguished Chair of History and Director of the M.A. in Military History at The Citadel. He specializes in early American history, focusing on colonial conflicts, Native American relations, and the Revolutionary era. His work bridges military, cultural, and ethnohistorical perspectives.

Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in American History from The College of William & Mary (advisor: James Axtell), B.A. History from Mary Washington College (magna cum laude).

Research emphasizes Franco-British-Indian interactions in the 18th century, with notable works analyzing the French & Indian War and its aftermath. His books have received major awards including the Gilder-Lehrman Prize and PROSE Award.

Directs The Citadel’s Military History graduate program and oversees initiatives like the Charleston Oral History Program. Active in teaching U.S. military history to cadets and officer candidates.